Write multiplication sentences for equal groups
Understanding Equal Groups:
- Equal groups mean having the same number of items in each group.
- Example: If you have 3 groups of 4 apples, each group contains the same number of apples.
Introduction to Multiplication:
- Multiplication is a shortcut for adding equal groups together.
- Example: Instead of adding 4 + 4 + 4, you can multiply 3 (groups) × 4 (items in each group) = 12.
Writing Multiplication Sentences:
- A multiplication sentence is written in the format: Number of groups × Number in each group = Total.
- Example: 3 × 4 = 12 means there are 3 groups with 4 items in each group, making a total of 12 items.
Visualizing with Objects:
- Draw or use objects (like counters or blocks) to form equal groups.
- Example: If there are 4 baskets and each has 5 oranges, you can draw 4 baskets with 5 oranges in each. The multiplication sentence is 4 × 5 = 20.
Relating to Real-Life Examples:
- Use real-world examples to understand equal groups.
- Example: If 5 children each have 3 toys, the multiplication sentence is 5 × 3 = 15 (5 children, 3 toys each, total 15 toys).
Repeated Addition Connection:
- Multiplication can also be shown as repeated addition.
- Example: 3 × 4 = 12 is the same as adding 4 + 4 + 4 = 12.
Learn with an example
Complete the multiplication number sentence that describes the model.

___ × 2 = 4
The model has 2 groups of dots.

There are 2 dots in each group.

There are 2 groups of 2 dots. This means there are 2 × 2 dots.
Find the total number of dots.
Count by 2s: 2, 4
There are 4 dots in all.
The multiplication number sentence that describes the model is:

Complete the multiplication number sentence that describes the model.

____ × 3 = 9
The model has 3 groups of dots.

There are 3 dots in each group.

There are 3 groups of 3 dots. This means there are 3 × 3 dots.
Find the total number of dots.
Use addition: 3 + 3 + 3 = 9
There are 9 dots in all.
The multiplication number sentence that describes the model is:

Let’s practice!