Multiplication and times tables · Usually met around P2
What multiplying means: equal groups
Count the groups and how many in each.
How to do it
Method
Count the groups and how many in each
4 threes = 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12
Another way
Count in steps
3, 6, 9, 12
In full
When things come in equal groups, you can multiply: 3 on a plate and 4 plates is “4 threes”, 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12, written 3 × 4 = 12 (4 × 3 gives the same). Multiplying is adding the same number again and again: count the groups and how many are in each. Or count in threes: 3, 6, 9, 12. 0 threes is 0 and 1 three is 3: any number times 0 is 0, and times 1 is itself.
Worked examples
Have a go first, then open each one for the answer and the working.
Example 1
What are 6 lots of 10?
Show the answer and working
Answer: 60
Add 10 6 times, or count in 10s 6 times: 60.
Example 2
Adding 8 lots of 8 gives 56.
True or false?
Show the answer and working
Answer: False
Adding 8 8 times gives 64: 8 × 8 = 64.
Example 3
□ lots of 4 make 32.
Show the answer and working
Answer: 8
Count in 4s: reaching 32 takes 8 counts, so 8 lots of 4.
Practise it in the game →Multiplication and times tables · Free to start, unlimited questions, no download