Multiplying Numbers | Elementary

Concept sheet | Mathematics

What is multiplication?

Definition

Multiplication is an operation that makes it possible to repeat a number or a quantity a certain number of times.

In multiplication, the multiplied numbers are called factors. The result of a multiplication is called the product.

Example
In the multiplication statement 7 times 5 equals 35, 7 and 5 are the factors and 35 is the product.

To find out what the × and = symbols mean, you can read the glossary of mathematical symbols.

How to multiply using repeated addition?

To find the product, a multiplication can be represented as a series of repeated additions using a picture or objects. For example, tokens or cubes can be used to help with the calculations.

Example

The multiplication statement 5 × 7 means adding a group of 7 five times.

The number 7 added 5 times equals 35.

5 × 7 = 35

Example

The multiplication statement 4 × 244 means adding a group of 244 four times.

Repeated addition example using base 10 materials

244 + 244 + 244 + 244 = 976

4 × 244 = 976

Video

Multiplying Numbers Using Repeated Addition (Grade 3 - 4)

Multiplying Numbers Using Repeated Addition (Grade 3 - 4)

Moments in the video:

  • 00:00-Introduction
  • 00:20-Example 1
  • 01:00-Example 2
  • 01:53-Conclusion

Exercise

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How to perform column multiplication?

Rule
  1. I write the numbers one below the other, aligning the digits according to their place value. The smaller number should be written at the bottom.
  2. I multiply the bottom number by the digit in the ones position of the top number. If there are tens in the result, “regroup” them above the number in the tens position of the top number.
  3. I repeat step 2 for all digits. Do not forget to add the regrouped number (if present).
Example

6 × 239 = ?

  1. I write the numbers one below the other, aligning the digits according to their place value. The smaller number should be written at the bottom.

I write the number 6 at the bottom since it is smaller than 239.

Multiply 6 by 239 using the column method.
  1. I multiply the bottom number by the digit in the ones position of the top number. If there are tens in the result, “regroup” them above the digit in the tens position of the top number in the multiplication.

6 × 9 = 54

Multiply 6 by 239 using the column method.
  1. I repeat step 2 for all remaining digits. Do not forget to add the regrouped number (if there is any).

6 × 3 = 18
Add the regrouped number: 18 + 5 = 23

6 × 2 = 12
Add the regrouped number: 12 + 2 = 14

 

Multiply 6 by 239 using the column method.
Multiply 6 by 239 using the column method.

6 × 239 = 1 434

Exercise

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