Multiplication

Multiplication is probably one of the most useful operation in mathematics. After addition and subtraction, kids learn multiplication with the help of multiplication tables. Kids first memorize a multiplication table until it becomes second nature to them then it is easy to solve math multiplication problems. You can use free multiplication worksheets for multiplication practice. There are printable multiplication tables as well as multiplication games to help you with multiplication practice.

Before we practice multiplication, we will discuss what multiplication is and how to do multiplication the easy way. There are printable multiplication tables with multiplication chart to help you along the way. Multiplication games are also fun and educational.

What is multiplication?

First of all the mathematical symbol for multiplication is:

When you multiply something, say 3 by 2, you are adding 3 twice. Let's do an illustration of how a multiplication work.

Another multiplication example is, say, 3 times 4. 3 times 4 means 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 (4 times) equals 12. In another word:

Now, knowing what multiplication means, you can either keep adding three four times (in the multiplication example above) or just memorize that 3 times 4 is 12. 3 times 4 is 12 appears on a multiplication table and most people learn the multiplication tables at a very young age to help them multiply quickly and able to solve more complicated math problems.

Note that three times four is the same as four times three. In another word:

Or:

That's it. Now you know how to multiply the long way. Or you can just memorize the multiplication tables and save time.