Multiplication is adding the same number repeatedly.
To multiply by 3, you add a number to itself 3 times.
What's 2 × 3?
You can draw equal groups to help figure it out.
2 × 3 is a shortcut for writing:
2 + 2 + 2 = 6
Tip: Do skip counting in your head to figure it out:
2, 4, 6
In earlier lessons, you learned rules for multiplying by 0, multiplying by 1, and multiplying by 2.
Multiplying by 0 always equals 0!
Multiplying by 1 doesn't change the number.
Multiplying by 2 doubles the number.
What happens when we multiply by 3?
When we multiply by 3, we add the same number 3 times.
Let's try an example:
3 x 4 = ?
We can add 4, three times.
4 + 4 + 4 = 12
The answer is 12!
Tip: 👍 In your head, think about it like skip counting three times!
4, 8, 12
Adding numbers repeatedly can take a long time for larger numbers, so this secret trick can help you. 😃
When multiplying by 3, you can multiply by 2 then add 1 more group.
Let's try it.
3 x 2 = ?
First, double the 2.
2 + 2 = 4
Then, add 1 more group.
4 + 2 = 6
Our answer is 6!
This is the multiplication table for 3.
Let's memorize it! 😺
Here are the numbers one at a time:
3 x 1 = 3
3 x 2 = 6
3 x 3 = 9
3 x 4 = 12
3 x 5 = 15
3 x 6 = 18
3 x 7 = 21
3 x 8 = 24
3 x 9 = 27
3 x 10 = 30
3 x 11 = 33
3 x 12 = 36
Now, complete the practice. 😺 You'll be a master at multiplying by 3 once you're done.