Multiplication is a faster way of adding the same number again and again.
For example:
2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 8
Instead of adding 2 four times, we can multiply:
4 × 2 = 8
This means:
- 4 groups
- with 2 in each group
- gives a total of 8
Multiplication helps us solve problems quickly when equal groups are involved.
Examples
Example 1
There are 3 baskets with 4 apples in each basket.
3 × 4 = 12
Answer: There are 12 apples altogether.
Example 2
5 rows of chairs have 2 chairs in each row.
5 × 2 = 10
Answer: There are 10 chairs.
Example 3 — Repeated Addition
6 × 3 means:
3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 18
Answer: 18