You can skip count and add equal rows. Multiplication is a short way to count equal groups. Look at the plates: each one has the same number of dots.
Why it works
When every group has the same number, you do not need to count each dot. Count the groups, and count what is in one group. $3 \times 4$ says "3 groups of 4." It means $4 + 4 + 4$, and it equals 12.
Key idea
$a \times b$ means $a$ equal groups with $b$ in each group. The answer is called the product.
Worked example: Plates of dots
What multiplication matches 3 plates with 4 dots on each? How many dots in all?
- There are 3 groups. Each group has 4.
- 3 groups of 4 is $3 \times 4$.
- Skip count by 4s: 4, 8, 12.
Answer: $3 \times 4 = 12$
Worked example: A story
There are 5 bags with 6 apples in each bag. How many apples are there?
- 5 equal groups with 6 in each: $5 \times 6$.
- Count by 6s: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30.
Answer: $30$ apples
Common mistake
Adding the two numbers. 3 groups of 4 is not $3 + 4 = 7$. The 3 counts plates and the 4 counts dots on one plate, so adding them mixes plates with dots. Check by drawing it: 3 circles with 4 dots in each makes 12 dots.