Multiplication

Multiplication is one of the big ideas in math. It helps you add the same number over and over in a quick way. For example, 3 times 4 means you add 3 four times. That gives you 12. We use the sign times (x) to show multiplication. The answer is called the product.

How It Works

When you multiply, you take one number and add it to itself a set number of times. If you see 5 x 2, it means add 5 two times. That is 5 plus 5, which equals 10. The numbers you multiply are called factors. The answer you get is called the product. Multiplication works with any whole numbers.

An old toy from 1918 that helps kids learn times tables.
An old toy from 1918 that helps kids learn times tables. (Yoram Shoval / Wikimedia Commons)

Times Tables

Kids learn multiplication with times tables. A times table is a list that shows the products of numbers. Most kids learn the tables from 1 to 12. Knowing your times tables makes math much faster. You can solve big problems in your head. Times tables help with money, time, and many games.

Fun Facts

  • Any number times zero is always zero.
  • Any number times one stays the same.
  • The times sign (x) was first used in the year 1631.

Did You Know?

You can multiply in any order and get the same answer. For example, 3 x 4 and 4 x 3 both equal 12!