Multiplication problems
Multiplication is adding the same number many times. Word problems with multiplication share three patterns.
Pattern 1 — equal groups
There are 6 baskets. Each basket has 4 apples. How many apples in total?
- 6 baskets × 4 apples = 24 apples.
Words: each, per, for every.
Pattern 2 — arrays (rows × columns)
In the garden there are 5 rows of carrots. Each row has 8 carrots. How many carrots?
- 5 × 8 = 40 carrots.
Words: rows of, grid, array.
Pattern 3 — rate
A snail moves 2 cm every minute. How far in 7 minutes?
- 2 cm × 7 = 14 cm.
Words: per, every, each minute / hour.
Watch out
Multiplication doesn't care about order — a × b = b × a — but the story gives you a natural order.
"5 boxes of 6 pencils" → 5 × 6 = 30 pencils.
Mathematically also 6 × 5 = 30, but in the story 5 boxes is the count and 6 pencils is what's in each.
Try it
Summary
- Three patterns: equal groups, arrays, rate.
- Look for each, per, every.
- Multiplication is fast addition.