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multiplication

Multiplication vocabulary

Explain factor, product, multiple, times, groups of, array and scale.

Quick answer

Multiplication vocabulary includes words like factor, product, multiple, times, groups of, array, and scale. These words help us talk about and understand multiplication problems clearly.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use multiplication vocabulary to describe and solve simple multiplication problems using objects, drawings, and real-life situations. Success signs:
  • You can explain what a factor is and find factors in multiplication problems
  • You can identify the product in a multiplication sentence
  • You can show how multiplication works using groups or arrays
  • You can describe multiplication in everyday situations like sharing snacks or counting items

Why this matters

Understanding multiplication vocabulary helps you talk about maths clearly. When you know the words, you can explain your thinking better to others and understand what you are doing when you multiply. These words are used in school, in games, and in everyday life when you need to count or share things.

How it works

Multiplication is about equal groups of things. We use special words to describe what we are doing and what we get. Let's look at each word one by one: Factor – This is one of the numbers you multiply together. In 3 × 4 = 12, both 3 and 4 are factors. Product – This is the answer you get when you multiply two or more numbers. In 3 × 4 = 12, the product is 12. Multiple – A multiple is what you get when you multiply a number by any whole number. For example, multiples of 3 are 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and so on. Times – This word means "multiplied by." When we say "5 times 3," we mean 5 × 3. Groups of – This helps us think about multiplication as equal groups. For example, 4 groups of 5 means 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 20. Array – An array is a way to show multiplication using rows and columns. For example, 3 rows of 4 apples makes an array with 12 apples. Scale – This word means to make something bigger or smaller using multiplication. For example, if you draw a map with a scale of 1:100, every 1 cm on the map is 100 cm in real life.

Examples you can see

Let’s look at some simple examples to help you understand these words. Factor example: If you have 6 boxes and each box has 5 toys, you can write this as 6 × 5 = 30. Here, 6 and 5 are factors. Product example: If you multiply 7 by 8, you get 56. So, 56 is the product of 7 and 8. Multiple example: The multiples of 4 are 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and so on. Each number is a multiple because it can be made by multiplying 4 by another whole number. Times example: If you have 3 times as many stickers as your friend, and your friend has 5 stickers, you have 3 × 5 = 15 stickers. Groups of example: If you have 5 groups of 3 pencils, you have 5 × 3 = 15 pencils in total. Array example: Imagine you arrange 6 apples in 2 rows with 3 apples in each row. This is an array. It shows 2 × 3 = 6. Scale example: A map might show that 1 cm on the map is 100 cm in real life. This 1:100 is a scale.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Cookie Factory You are the manager of a cookie factory. Every day, you make cookies in boxes. Each box holds 8 cookies. You need to count how many cookies you make in a week. 1st day: 1 box of 8 cookies 2nd day: 2 boxes of 8 cookies 3rd day: 3 boxes of 8 cookies 4th day: 4 boxes of 8 cookies 5th day: 5 boxes of 8 cookies 6th day: 6 boxes of 8 cookies 7th day: 7 boxes of 8 cookies How many cookies do you make in total? Use arrays to show how many cookies you make each day: - Day 1: 1 row of 8 = 8 cookies - Day 2: 2 rows of 8 = 16 cookies - Day 3: 3 rows of 8 = 24 cookies - Day 4: 4 rows of 8 = 32 cookies - Day 5: 5 rows of 8 = 40 cookies - Day 6: 6 rows of 8 = 48 cookies - Day 7: 7 rows of 8 = 56 cookies Total cookies = 8 + 16 + 24 + 32 + 40 + 48 + 56 = 224 cookies What words can you use to describe what you did? - You multiplied the number of boxes by 8. - Each number of boxes is a factor. - The total number of cookies is the product. - You made groups of 8 cookies. - You used an array to show how many cookies you made each day.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that a multiple is only the first few numbers. Why it happens: Some children only think of small multiples like 3, 6, 9. Fix: Remember that multiples go on forever. For example, multiples of 5 include 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and so on.
  • Mistake: Mixing up "times" and "plus." Why it happens: Children sometimes say "3 times 4" instead of "3 plus 3 plus 3 plus 3." Fix: Remember that "times" means multiply. 3 times 4 = 3 × 4 = 12. "Plus" means add. 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12.
  • Mistake: Confusing factors and products. Why it happens: When seeing 5 × 6 = 30, children may say 30 is a factor. Fix: In 5 × 6 = 30, 5 and 6 are factors, and 30 is the product.
  • Mistake: Not using arrays to show multiplication. Why it happens: Some children think multiplication is just a number sentence. Fix: Draw rows and columns to show how multiplication works visually.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:
  • Using the words factor, product, multiple, times, groups of, array, and scale in everyday conversation.
  • Playing games with your child that involve counting and grouping, like sharing snacks or sorting toys.
  • Encouraging your child to draw arrays to show multiplication problems.
  • Practising multiplication with real-life examples, such as buying 3 packs of 4 pencils or 5 rows of 6 flowers.
  • Reassuring your child that it's okay to make mistakes and that learning takes time.

Practice questions

  1. What are the factors in 4 × 7 = 28?
  2. What is the product of 6 × 5?
  3. What are the first 5 multiples of 3?
  4. How many cookies are in 5 groups of 6?
  5. Draw an array to show 3 × 4.
Answers:
  1. The factors are 4 and 7.
  2. The product is 30.
  3. The multiples are 3, 6, 9, 12, 15.
  4. There are 30 cookies.
  5. Draw 3 rows and 4 columns of dots or objects to make 12 in total.

FAQ

What is a factor in multiplication?

A factor is one of the numbers you multiply together. For example, in 3 × 4 = 12, the factors are 3 and 4.

What is the product in multiplication?

The product is the answer you get when you multiply two or more numbers. For example, in 5 × 6 = 30, the product is 30.

What are multiples?

Multiple is a number that can be made by multiplying a number by any whole number. For example, multiples of 4 are 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and so on.

How can I help my child understand multiplication vocabulary?

You can use real-life examples like sharing snacks or counting toys. Draw arrays, use groups, and talk about the words factor, product, and multiple in daily conversations.

Why is it important to know multiplication vocabulary?

Knowing these words helps you understand what you are doing when you multiply. It also helps you explain your thinking to others and makes it easier to learn more advanced maths later.