Multiplication as Repeated Addition
Concept
Multiplication is often defined for natural numbers, then extended to whole numbers, fractions, and irrational numbers. Multiplication can be taught in the form of repeated addition. Repeated addition is adding equal groups together, which is the same as multiplication. Multiplication as repeated addition helps to progress from additive to multiplicative understanding.
Repeated addition is also helpful in learning multiplication facts. For example if you do not know the 6 × 3 facts yet, you may find it easier to work out 6 × 3 by writing 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 or 6 + 6 + 6; and then solve by slowly adding.
Rules
To solve a multiplication problem through repeated addition, we repetitively group and add the same number again and again to find the answer.
Example
Write the correct mathematical sentence as repeated addition that describes the model.
Solution
The model shows 3 groups of 5 flowers.
This can be written as 5 + 5 + 5
Practice Multiplication as Repeated Addition
Practice Problem 1
Select the expression or sentence that describes the model.
Practice Problem 2
Fill in the blanks to describe the model.
Practice Problem 3
Fill in the blanks to describe the model.
Practice Problem 4
Hilary baked 8 chocolate cakes. She used 3 edible flowers to decorate each cake. How many flowers did she use in all?
Repeated addition is adding groups together.