Skill: Interpret multiplication as repeated addition

Multiplication is a quick way to show equal groups. It tells you how many groups there are and how many objects are in each group.

Example: $(4 \times 6)$

Suppose there are 4 bags, with 6 apples in each bag.

1. Count the equal groups: there are $4$ bags.
2. Count the objects in each group: there are $6$ apples in each bag.
3. Write the multiplication sentence:

$$4 \times 6$$

4. Rewrite it as repeated addition by adding $6$ four times:

$$6+6+6+6$$

5. Add to find the total:

$$6+6+6+6=24$$

So,

$$4 \times 6=24$$

There are 24 apples altogether. Multiplication works here because every group has the same number of objects.