Grade 3 → Number Sense and Numeration → Operations with Whole Numbers ↓
Multiplication Facts (up to 10 x 10)
Understanding multiplication
Multiplication is one of the basic operations in mathematics. In simple terms, multiplication is a way of adding the same number over and over again. For example, if you have 3 groups of 4 apples, you can find out how many apples there are in total by multiplying 3 by 4.
When we multiply, we use the symbol *
or sometimes just x
. For example, 3 * 4
or 3 x 4
both mean 3 times 4.
Multiplication table
A multiplication table is a chart that shows the results of multiplying numbers from 1 to 10 by each other. It provides a quick reference that makes solving multiplication problems easier.
Part of the multiplication table looks like this:
* | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 | 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 3 | 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 4 | 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 5 | 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 6 | 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 7 | 7 14 21 28 35 42 49 56 63 70 8 | 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 9 | 9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72 81 90 10| 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Visualizing multiplication with rows and columns
One way to understand multiplication is to use an array. An array is a group of objects arranged in rows and columns. Each row contains the same number of objects, just as each column contains the same number of objects.
For example, let's imagine 3 x 4
:
In the SVG above, the blue squares represent 3 rows of 4, which represents 3 groups of 4 in 3 x 4
. The green squares represent an additional fourth column, making a total of 4 columns. In total, there are 12 squares, which is the product of 3 x 4
. This is a simple way to see how multiplication works.
Text example
Now, let us discuss some textual examples of multiplication to understand it better:
- Example 1:
5 x 6
means 5 groups of 6. If you have 5 bags, each containing 6 apples, you will have a total of5 x 6 = 30
apples. - Example 2:
2 x 8
means 2 groups of 8. If you have 2 baskets and each basket has 8 oranges, in total you will have2 x 8 = 16
oranges. - Example 3:
7 x 9
means 7 groups of 9. If you read 9 pages of a book every day for 7 days a week, you would have read7 x 9 = 63
pages in a week.
Properties of multiplication
Exchangeable assets
The commutative property of multiplication says that changing the order of the numbers does not change the result. For example, 4 x 5
and 5 x 4
are equal. Both equal 20.
Associative property
According to the associative property of multiplication, when three or more numbers are multiplied, the way the numbers are grouped has no effect on the product. For example, (2 x 3) x 4
is the same as 2 x (3 x 4)
. In both cases, the result is 24.
Identity property
According to the identity property of multiplication, any number remains the same when multiplied by 1. For example, 9 x 1 = 9
and 1 x 9 = 9
.
Zero assets
According to the zero property of multiplication, any number multiplied by 0 gives 0. For example, 8 x 0 = 0
and 0 x 8 = 0
.
Practicing multiplication
Practice is key to mastering multiplication facts. Here are some strategies to help you practice multiplication:
- Flash cards: Use flash cards with multiplication problems on one side and the answers on the other to test yourself.
- Games: Play multiplication games like bingo or memory cards to make the process fun.
- Worksheets: Complete worksheets with various multiplication problems.
- Real-life applications: Look for everyday situations in which to apply multiplication, such as calculating total cost or quantity.
- Repetition: Repeating the multiplication tables over and over, even for a few minutes a day, can help improve memory.
Conclusion
Understanding multiplication is very important in math. It relates to many real-world situations like shopping, cooking, and much more. Mastering the multiplication facts, especially 1 to 10, will form a strong foundation for more complex math concepts you will learn in the future.
In short, multiplication can be viewed as a way of repeated addition or grouping. Practice using tables, visual arrays, and real-life examples to strengthen your understanding. Remember, the fundamental properties of multiplication make it easier to work efficiently with numbers, and with consistent practice, you will become more confident with these math facts.
Develop a strong understanding and practice regularly to master the multiplication facts.