Multiplication

Multiplication is a short way of adding or counting equal numbers. Multiplication is one of the four basic operations in arithmetic along with addition, subtraction, and division.

Suppose you want to know how much six gumballs will cost. The gumballs are 5cents each. You can find the answer by addition: 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 30. Six gumballs will cost 30 cents. However, it is easier to learn that six 5's are 30. Learning facts like this is the basis of multiplication.