Introduction to Multiplication for Class 1: Easy Guide with Examples

Multiplication for Class 1 introduces young learners to the simple idea that we can count many equal groups quickly instead of counting one by one. This short introduction uses familiar, playful examples so children see multiplication as groups they can make, count, and talk about. The guide focuses on simple actions of making equal groups, drawing or arranging objects in rows, and saying the total using ‘groups of’ language and everyday words to build skills in repeated addition, pattern recognition, and faster counting.

Table of Contents

• Multiplication as Repeated Addition for Class 1
• Multiplication Tables of 1, 2 and 5
• Building Arrays for Class 1

Multiplication as Repeated Addition for Class 1

Repeated addition means adding the same number over and over again. 

🍎🍎🍎(3) + 🍎🍎🍎(3) + 🍎🍎🍎(3) = 9

Here, 3 apples + 3 apples + 3 apples = 9 apples. We added 3, three times in a row.

We added the number 3 a total of 3 times. Instead of writing out 3 + 3 + 3 every single time, mathematicians invented a shortcut. We write:

From Repeated Addition to Multiplication

3 + 3 + 3 = 3 × 3 = 9

‘3 times 3 equals 9’ read as "3 multiplied by 3"

The ‘×’ symbol means ‘times’ or ‘multiplied by’. So 3 × 3 means ‘3 taken 3 times’.

The Golden Rule of Multiplication

Number of groups × Number in each group = Total

In 3 × 3 = 9, the first 3 tells us how many groups there are, and the second 3 tells us how many objects are in each group.

Multiplication Tables of 1, 2 and 5

 Table of 1

When we multiply a number by 1, we get the same number.

Table of 2

 

Table of 5

Building Arrays for Class 1

An array is an arrangement of objects in equal rows and equal columns. Arrays make multiplication visible.

Arrays have an equal number of objects in each row.

We can do multiplication and find the total number of objects using arrays. We write the multiplication statement for an array as follows.

Look at this array of stars arranged in 3 rows, with 4 stars in each row:

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐

3 rows × 4 stars in each row = 3 × 4 = 12 stars in total

The Array Rule:

Number of rows × Number in each row = Total number of objects

Two numbers multiplied in any order will give the same answer.

2 × 3 = 6 and 3 × 2 = 6

 

Here's a set of questions for practice. 

Practice Worksheet: Introduction to Multiplication for Class 1 (Free Download). Improve your maths skills with this Introduction to Multiplication for Class 1 worksheet.