Introduction to Multiplication

Multiplication is fast addition of equal groups. 3 groups of 4 = 4+4+4 = 12. We write this as 3×4=12. The × sign means multiply. 3×4 is read as "three times four" or "3 fours". Another way: 4×3 = 4+4+4 = 12. Notice: 3×4 = 4×3 = 12! This is the commutative property of multiplication.