- Definition
Multiplication is a quick way to add the same number many times, like counting groups of equal things. For example, if you have 3 groups of 4 apples, multiplication helps you quickly find out you have 12 apples in total (3 x 4 = 12).
3 × 4 means you have 3 groups of 4, which is the same as adding 4 + 4 + 4.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Multiplication is like making several party bags with the same number of candies in each one to find the total.
Ask your child: How many wheels are on three toy cars?
Common mix-up: Kids often confuse multiplication with addition, adding the two numbers like 3 + 4. Multiplication is actually about combining equal groups, like adding 4 three times.
Examples
- Making 2 rows of 5 blocks is a way to show 2 × 5.
- If 4 friends each have 3 stickers, that's 4 groups of 3, or 4 × 3.
multiplication is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
+7 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
