Multiplication and Division

Equal Groups #

Adding the same number again and again.

Multiplying is adding the same number again and again

These 12 squares are arranged in a grid.

3 rows with 4 in each. You could go 4 + 4 + 4.

Multiplication is repeated addition: 4 + 4 + 4 = 3 × 4 = 12.

Rows and Columns #

A times table fact you can see.

A times table fact is a rectangle you can see

4 groups of 6 is 24.

Rotate the figure. 6 groups of 4 is also 24.

Sharing Equally #

How many each one gets when you share fairly.

Dividing is asking how many each one gets when you share fairly

Twelve to share out fairly between 3 friends. Nobody has anything yet.

Hand them round in turn — one each, then round again. The shares stay level.

Keep going until the pile is gone. Everybody ends up with 4, so 12 ÷ 3 = 4.

Multiplying and Dividing Undo Each Other #

One array, one family of facts.

One array holds a multiplication and the divisions that undo it

Twelve squares in 3 rows answer a division: 12 shared into 3 rows puts 4 in each.

Split by columns instead: 12 ÷ 4 = 3. One picture, one family of facts.

Multiplying builds the 12; dividing takes it back apart. They undo each other.