Multiplication: Groups of Things

Multiplication is a way to add the same number again and again.
Imagine you have 2 bags, and each bag has 3 marbles in it.
How many marbles do you have in total?

You can find out by adding 3 + 3 = 6,

or you can say 2 groups of 3 is 6.

The Multiplication Sign

The multiplication sign looks like an “x”:

It means multiplication, or “groups of.”

So 2 groups of 3 is 6 can also be written as 2 × 3 = 6.

Another Example

You have 4 bags, and each bag has 2 stars.

How many stars do you have altogether?

By adding: 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 8,

which can be written as: 4 × 2 = 8

Seeing Multiplication In Action

Use your fingers or drawings!

To find 3 × 3:

• Hold up 3 fingers for the first group.
• Hold up 3 fingers for the second group.
• Hold up 3 fingers for the third group.
• Count all your fingers or drawings: 9!

So,

3 × 3 = 9