Multiplication Magic

Multiplication is a fast way to add the same number many times. The times sign (×) means multiply. For example, 3 × 4 means four groups of 3, which is 12. Instead of adding 3 + 3 + 3 + 3, you can just say 3 × 4 = 12.

The answer to a multiplication is called the product. Two handy rules: any number times 1 stays the same (5 × 1 = 5), and any number times 0 is always 0 (5 × 0 = 0).

You can picture multiplication as rows and columns, called an array. Three rows of four dots is 3 × 4 = 12 dots in a neat rectangle. Because you can turn the array on its side, 3 × 4 and 4 × 3 give the same product — both 12.