Equal Groups

See 3 groups of 4 as 3 × 4.

Warm-up, learn, try it together, practice, then a quick check. About 15 minutes.

What children learn in Level 22

Welcome to Multiplication Meadow! Here are 3 plates with 4 apples on each. These are equal groups: every plate has the same number.
Count them by 4s: 4, 8, 12. There are 12 apples in all.
Multiplication is a fast way to add equal groups. 3 groups of 4 is 3 times 4.
If the plates had different numbers, they wouldn't be equal groups, and multiplication wouldn't fit.

Georgia's K-12 Mathematics Standards:

3.PAR.3.2 — Represent single digit multiplication and division facts using a variety of strategies. Explain the relationship between multiplication and division.