Multiplication is repeated addition. When we multiply 4 × 3, we are adding 4 three times: 4 + 4 + 4 = 12.

For multi-digit multiplication, use the standard algorithm: multiply each digit of the bottom number by every digit of the top number, shifting one place left for each row, then add the partial products together.

The commutative property means 6 × 7 = 7 × 6. The distributive property lets you break apart problems: 8 × 12 = 8 × (10 + 2) = 80 + 16 = 96. These properties make mental math easier.

In word problems, look for clue words like "each," "every," "per," "times," and "groups of." These signal multiplication.