Multiplication Facts

Grade 3 · Math · Study Guide

Learn the meaning of multiplication and practice essential facts up to 10x10.

Multiplication is a fast way to add the same number over and over again. When you see 4 x 3, it means four groups of three — the same as 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12. The two numbers you multiply are called factors, and the result is called the product.

One of the best tools for learning multiplication is the times table. Patterns hide everywhere in it. Any number multiplied by 1 stays the same (the Identity Property). Any number multiplied by 0 equals 0 (the Zero Property). The Commutative Property means 6 x 7 and 7 x 6 both equal 42 — flip the factors and the product never changes.

Knowing your facts by heart is like having a calculator in your head. When you memorize that 8 x 9 = 72, you can solve harder problems, word problems, and even division much faster. Start with easy facts like 2s and 5s, then build up to the trickier 7s, 8s, and 9s. Practice a little every day and they will stick!

Key terms

Factor
A number that is multiplied by another number in a multiplication problem.
Product
The answer you get when you multiply two or more factors together.
Array
Rows and columns of objects used to show multiplication visually.
Commutative Property
Changing the order of factors does not change the product (3 x 5 = 5 x 3).
Zero Property
Any number multiplied by 0 equals 0.

Flashcards

2 x 6
12
3 x 7
21
4 x 8
32
5 x 9
45
6 x 6
36
7 x 8
56
8 x 8
64
9 x 9
81

Questions

  1. What is 7 x 8?

    1. 54
    2. 56
    3. 63
    4. 48
    Show answer

    Answer: 56

    7 x 8 = 56. Count by 8s: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56 — that is seven 8s.

  2. The product of any number and 0 is always 0.

    Show answer

    Answer: True

    The Zero Property says any number times 0 equals 0. Zero groups of anything is nothing.

  3. Which multiplication fact is shown by 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12?

    1. 3 x 3
    2. 4 x 4
    3. 4 x 3
    4. 3 x 12
    Show answer

    Answer: 4 x 3

    3 + 3 + 3 + 3 is four groups of 3, which is written as 4 x 3.

  4. In the equation 6 x 9 = 54, the number 54 is called the ___.

    Show answer

    Answer: product

    The product is the answer to a multiplication problem. In 6 x 9 = 54, the product is 54.

  5. What is 9 x 9?

    1. 72
    2. 81
    3. 90
    4. 78
    Show answer

    Answer: 81

    9 x 9 = 81. Counting by 9s: 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81.

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