What Is Multiplication? Equal Groups (2nd–3rd Grade)

What is it?

Before memorizing times tables, it helps to know what "times" means. 3 × 4 means 3 equal groups with 4 in each group. The groups must all be the same size. The lesson puts 4 counters on each of 3 plates, then finds the total two ways: skip counting by 4s and repeated addition. Both reach the same answer, which shows your child that multiplication is a fast way to add equal groups.

Step by step: 3 × 4

1. 3 × 4 means 3 groups of 4.
2. Put 4 counters on each of 3 plates. Every group has 4, so the groups are equal.
3. Count by 4s, one count per plate: 4, 8, 12.
4. Or add the groups: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12.
5. So 3 × 4 = 12.

Common mistakes

• Adding the two numbers (3 + 4 = 7) instead of making groups.
• Making groups of different sizes. Multiplication only works when every group has the same number.
• Mixing up which number is the count of groups and which is the size of each group. In this lesson, the first number is how many groups.

Your turn

The lesson ends with a problem to try. Pause and let your child work it out before you check.

What is 2 × 5?

Answer: 10. That is 2 groups of 5. Count by 5s: 5, 10.

Practice at home

Use snacks, toys or socks. Make equal groups on plates or in cups, say the times fact ("4 groups of 2 is 4 × 2"), and count by the group size. Then ask your child to build a fact you name, like 5 × 3, and to check it by adding.