Multiplication is a mathematical operation that combines equal groups. It is a faster way to add the same number multiple times.
When you see a multiplication sign (×), think "groups of." The answer to a multiplication problem is called the product.
Multiplying by 12 means you are finding the total of a certain number of groups that each have twelve items.
The number 12 is useful in real life. We see it with dozens of items, inches in a foot, and months in a year.
You can use patterns and known facts to help you remember products involving twelve.
Breaking a problem into smaller parts you already know, like tens and twos, is a powerful math strategy.
Memorizing these facts helps you solve problems quickly and accurately. Practice until you know them by heart.
Flashcards, songs, and repeated practice are great ways to learn these facts. Focus on a few at a time.
Once you know the facts, you can use them to solve word problems and more complex equations.
Always read word problems carefully. Look for phrases like "groups of," "rows of," or "in each" to signal multiplication.