Master multiplication facts and understand arrays!
Visualize multiplication as an array of objects!
4 rows × 6 columns
Multiplication is a faster way to add the same number many times. 4 × 3 means "4 groups of 3" or 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12
4 groups × 3 each = 12 total
💡 Key Idea: The × symbol means "groups of" or "times". So 4 × 3 is read as "4 times 3" or "4 groups of 3".
Problem: 5 × 6 = ?
Think: 5 groups of 6 = 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6
Answer: 30
Real-world: If you have 5 bags with 6 apples each, you have 30 apples total!
Addition: 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12 (adding different numbers or same number a few times)
Multiplication: 4 × 3 = 12 (faster way when adding the same number many times)