Information about Multiplication

+ is the sign that means ADD.

* or X is the sign that means MULTIPLY.

* or X go in between the two numbers you're multiplying, just like you put the + in addition.

Let's use the example of 3 + 3 + 3+ 3. The two numbers you write down are how many numbers there are in the addition problem, and what number is being added. There are 4 digits, and the numbers are all 3's. So the problem is 4 x 3. It could also be 3 x 4. The order of the numbers doesn't matter in multiplication.

3 x 4 means adding the number 3 four times, or the number 4 three times. It 's just like saying, 4 + 4+ 4, or 3 + 3 +3 + 3. The first number tells you what number you're going to be working with. The second number tells you how many times to add that number.

Here are a few to practice with. Look down the page to find out if you got them right.

If you answered all of those questions right, congratulations! If you missed one or two, don't worry about it. You'll get better. If you missed more than that, you should probably go back and make sure you understand how multiplication works. It might have taken you a while to work out those problems, but that's because you are new at it. It might seem as if it were no easier than adding up a whole bunch of numbers, but what you learn next will show you how it will become much easier and quicker.

A multiplication fact is made up of a pair of numbers and their answer when they're multiplied. For an example, let's take the number 1.

1 x 2 = 2

That's a multiplication fact.

So is 1 x 3 = 3

When you memorize all these facts, if someone asks you, "What's 4 x 4?" , you'll be able to say 16 before you can snap your fingers. There are many more multiplication facts. You won't have to worry about the rest of them until next year! For now, you only have to worry about the basic facts in the practice problems on this site.

It might seem like you'll never memorize all these facts, but here are some helpful things to try.

• Make some flash cards. You might have used those to help you with addition. Ask your teacher if she has any, or otherwise make your own! You can use index cards.
• Try writing out the problems. It will help you a lot.
• If there's a certain problem you get stuck on, and can't remember, write it on a piece of masking tape. Then put the tape on the back of your hand. Every time you look at your hand you will be reminded what the answer to the problem is.

Back to the first page!