- Definition
Repeated addition is when you add the same number over and over again, which is the basic idea behind multiplication. For example, adding 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 is the same as saying "four groups of three," or 4 x 3.
Adding 5 + 5 + 5 is repeated addition because you are adding the same number, 5, three times.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Repeated addition is like making several piles of snacks with the same number of crackers in each pile.
Ask your child: If you have 3 groups of 4 crayons, how could you add them up?
Common mix-up: Kids might just see a long addition problem. The key is to see it as adding equal groups, which is the first step to understanding multiplication.
Examples
- Finding the total number of wheels on 4 toy cars by adding 4 + 4 + 4 + 4.
- Giving 3 friends 2 cookies each and finding the total by adding 2 + 2 + 2.
repeated addition is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
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 ↗
