Basic Multiplication

Grade 3 Medium Operations & Algebraic Thinking

Learning Objectives

  • Understand multiplication as repeated addition
  • Memorize basic multiplication facts

Concept Explanation

Multiplication is repeated addition. For instance, 2 × 3 is the same as 2 + 2 + 2. Learning basic multiplication facts (times tables) builds speed and confidence, and it’s essential for more advanced topics like division, fractions, and algebra.

Once you understand how multiplication works, you can apply it to real-world tasks such as grouping items evenly, calculating areas, or determining how much food to cook for a certain number of guests.

Worked Examples

Example 1

Problem: 2 × 3
Solution: 6
Explanation: 2 + 2 + 2 = 6.

Example 2

Problem: 4 × 5
Solution: 20
Explanation: 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 20.

Example 3

Problem: 6 × 2
Solution: 12
Explanation: 6 + 6 = 12.

Common Errors

ErrorCorrectionReason
Mixing up addition and multiplicationDouble-check for the “×” signStudents may revert to adding incorrectly if not paying attention.
Inconsistent memorizationPractice times tables regularlyFrequent practice reduces errors and builds speed.
Forgetting to carry in multi-digit multiplicationBreak down the problem systematicallyLarger multiplications (e.g., 14 × 12) require multi-step solutions.

Practice Problems

  1. Problem: 2 × 2
    Solution: 4
  2. Problem: 3 × 4
    Solution: 12
  3. Problem: 5 × 6
    Solution: 30
  4. Problem: 7 × 2
    Solution: 14
  5. Problem: 8 × 4
    Solution: 32

Real-World Application Example

If you have 4 boxes of markers and each box has 5 markers, you can multiply 4 × 5 to find a total of 20 markers without counting them all individually.

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