Multiplication is adding groups that are the same size.
There are 3 groups of 2 candies.
- You can add: 2 + 2 + 2 = 6
- You can multiply 3 groups of 2 : 3 x 2 = 6
Why can’t you multiply a group of 2 and a group of 1?
- You can add 2 + 1 cupcakes.
- You cannot multiply a group of 2 and a group of 1.
Because the groups are not the same size!
2 + 1 = 3 cupcakes
Multiplication can also be shown with an array.
These are both arrays.
Both arrays show 2 rows of 3.
You can see 3 + 3 = 6 AND 2 x 3 = 6!
This array has 4 rows. There are 2 squares in each row.
We can find the total by adding 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 8.
Since the groups are all the same size, we can also multiply 4 groups of 2.
It looks like this: 4 x 2 = 8.
Multiplication can also be shown with equal groups.
There are 4 groups of 2 zinnias.
To use repeated addition, we need to add four groups of 2:
2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 8 zinnias in all
What multiplication expression represents the equal groups of zinnias?
4 groups of 2 = 8
4 x 2 = 8
Multiplication equations have different parts.
- 2 and 5 are the factors in this equation.
- 10 is the product of 2 and 5.
Practice Problems
Select the statements that correctly describe the equal groups.
Select the repeated addition and multiplication equation that match the array.
Which multiplication equation represents the equal rows of squares?
