Multiplication
⭐ MasteredMultiplication is repeated addition. 4 × 3 means 4 + 4 + 4 = 12. The order does not matter: 4 × 3 = 3 × 4.
Anything multiplied by zero is zero.
All about Multiplication
Multiplication is a quick way of adding the same number many times. 4 × 3 means four groups of three, or 3 + 3 + 3 + 3, which equals 12. The first number is the number of groups and the second is how many are in each group.
Multiplication facts are easier to learn when you spot patterns. Multiplying by 10 adds a zero, and the order of the numbers does not change the answer, so 4 × 3 and 3 × 4 both equal 12.
Multiplication is a shortcut for repeated addition.
Knowing your times tables well makes many other maths tasks, such as division and fractions, much easier.
🎮 Try it yourself!
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👀 What the animation shows
This animation shows groups of objects being arranged into rows and columns. Watch how the number of rows times the number of objects in each row gives the total, and how turning the array around gives the same total.
Real-life uses of Multiplication
- Working out the cost of several items at the same price
- Counting the seats in rows of a classroom or theatre
- Finding the total number of eggs in several cartons
Frequently asked questions about Multiplication
What is a times table?
A list of multiples of one number, such as the 7 times table: 7, 14, 21, 28 and so on.
Why does the order not matter when multiplying?
Multiplication is commutative. 4 × 3 and 3 × 4 both count the same total number of objects, arranged differently.
What is the quickest way to learn times tables?
Learn the easy ones first, like 2, 5 and 10. Then use patterns and practise a few facts each day.