Multiplication and Tables: Class 3 Study Guide
Multiplication is a quick way to add equal groups. Knowing your tables makes mathematics much faster.
If there are 4 plates with 5 laddoos on each plate, you could add 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 20, or you could write 4 × 5 = 20. The × sign is read 'times' or 'multiplied by'. The numbers being multiplied are called factors, and the answer is the product.
Tables are lists of multiples, such as the table of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, … Learning tables up to 10 in Class 3 is like learning the alphabet before you read; it is the base of all later mathematics.
Useful patterns in tables
Patterns make tables easier. In the table of 5 the answers end in 0 or 5. In the table of 10 you simply add a zero. The table of 9 has digits that add up to 9 (18, 27, 36, 45…). The table of 2 gives doubles, and the table of 4 gives double the doubles.
| Table | Pattern |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 … even numbers |
| 5 | End in 5 or 0 |
| 9 | Digits add up to 9: 18, 27, 36, 45, 54 |
| 10 | Add a zero: 10, 20, 30 |
Multiplying a two-digit number by one digit
To find 23 × 3, split into tens and ones. 20 × 3 = 60 and 3 × 3 = 9, so 60 + 9 = 69. In the column method write the ones first: 3 × 3 = 9, then 2 tens × 3 = 6 tens, so 69. If a product is 10 or more, carry: 17 × 4: 7 × 4 = 28, write 8, carry 2 tens; 1 × 4 = 4 tens plus 2 = 6 tens. The answer is 68.
Write the ones digit; carry any tens.
Add the carried number.
Write the final answer.
Properties and common mistakes
Any number multiplied by 1 stays the same, and any number multiplied by 0 is 0. Also, order does not change the product: 6 × 4 = 4 × 6. Common mistakes are mixing up 'times' with 'plus', forgetting to carry, and not learning the tables from the start. Try learning one table a week and say it aloud forwards and backwards.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. 4 × 6 = 24 (or 6 × 4). 2. 14 × 5 = (10 × 5) + (4 × 5) = 50 + 20 = 70. 3. 12 × 6 = 72 pencils.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Multiplication is repeated addition of equal groups.
- Multiplying by 0 gives 0 and by 1 gives the same number.
- The order of factors does not change the product.
- Split two-digit numbers into tens and ones to multiply.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- Write 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 as a multiplication.
- Find 14 × 5 using tens and ones.
- A box holds 12 pencils. How many pencils in 6 boxes?