Times Table Methods
Multiplication vocabulary for children
Explain factor, product, multiple, groups of, array, times and multiply in child-friendly language.
Quick answer
Multiplication vocabulary helps children understand what numbers and words mean when we multiply. Words like "factor", "product", "multiple", "groups of", "array", "times", and "multiply" all describe different parts of a multiplication problem.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will understand the vocabulary of multiplication and be able to use words like "factor", "product", "multiple", "groups of", "array", "times", and "multiply" to describe multiplication problems. Success signs:- You can say what "factor" means in a multiplication sentence
- You can identify the "product" in a multiplication problem
- You can explain what a "multiple" is
- You can show how "groups of" relate to multiplication
- You can draw an "array" to represent a multiplication problem
- You can tell the difference between "times" and "multiply"
Why this matters
Understanding multiplication vocabulary helps you solve problems more easily and talk about maths with your friends and teachers. When you know these words, you can understand what a maths problem is asking and explain your thinking clearly. Whether you're sharing cookies with friends, counting your toys, or playing a game, knowing these words makes multiplication easier to understand and use.How it works
Multiplication vocabulary helps us describe what happens when we multiply numbers. Let's look at each word:- Factor – These are the numbers you multiply together
- Product – This is the answer you get when you multiply
- Multiple – A number that comes in a times table
- Groups of – This shows how many equal groups we have
- Array – This is a way to show multiplication using rows and columns
- Times – This word means "multiplied by"
- Multiply – This means to find the answer to a multiplication problem
Examples you can see
Let's use a fun example to understand these words. Imagine you have 3 boxes of crayons, and each box has 4 crayons.- Groups of: You have 3 groups of 4 crayons
- Factor: The numbers 3 and 4 are both factors
- Multiply: You multiply 3 by 4
- Times: 3 times 4 means 3 groups of 4
- Array: You can draw this as 3 rows and 4 columns of crayons
- Product: 3 × 4 = 12, so the product is 12 crayons
Real-world example: Pizza party
You're having a pizza party and need to make sure everyone gets the same amount. You have 6 friends coming, and you want to give each friend 3 slices of pizza.- Groups of: 6 groups of 3 slices
- Factor: 6 and 3 are the factors
- Multiply: You multiply 6 by 3
- Times: 6 times 3 means 6 groups of 3 slices
- Array: Draw 6 rows and 3 columns of pizza slices
- Product: 6 × 3 = 18, so you need 18 slices
Another example: Garden flowers
You plant 4 rows of flowers in your garden, with 5 flowers in each row.- Groups of: 4 groups of 5 flowers
- Factor: 4 and 5 are the factors
- Multiply: You multiply 4 by 5
- Times: 4 times 5 means 4 groups of 5 flowers
- Array: Draw 4 rows and 5 columns of flowers
- Product: 4 × 5 = 20, so you planted 20 flowers
Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: The Magic Toy Store
You are a treasure hunter in a magical toy store. Every toy costs 3 coins. You find 5 toy cars. How many coins do you need to buy them all?- Groups of: You have 5 groups of 3 coins
- Factor: The factors are 5 and 3
- Multiply: Multiply 5 by 3
- Times: 5 times 3 means 5 groups of 3 coins
- Array: Draw 5 rows and 3 columns of coins
- Product: 5 × 3 = 15, so you need 15 coins
Challenge: How many coins do you need for 7 toy trains?
- Groups of: 7 groups of 3 coins
- Factor: The factors are 7 and 3
- Multiply: Multiply 7 by 3
- Times: 7 times 3 means 7 groups of 3 coins
- Array: Draw 7 rows and 3 columns of coins
- Product: 7 × 3 = 21, so you need 21 coins
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking "times" and "multiply" are different words with different meanings
Why it happens: Children often hear these words used together but don't understand they mean the same thing
Fix: Explain that "times" and "multiply" both mean "to find the answer to a multiplication problem" - Mistake: Confusing "factor" and "product"
Why it happens: Both words are part of the same multiplication problem, so children mix them up
Fix: Remember: factors are the numbers you multiply, product is the answer - Mistake: Thinking "multiple" means "the answer" instead of "a number in a times table"
Why it happens: Children may hear "multiple" used in different contexts and get confused
Fix: A multiple is a number that appears in a times table, like 6, 9, 12 are multiples of 3 - Mistake: Not understanding "groups of" as equal groups
Why it happens: Children might think "groups of" means any groups, not equal ones
Fix: Always remember "groups of" means equal groups of the same size
Parent and carer guide
How to help your child learn multiplication vocabulary
It's easy to help your child understand multiplication vocabulary at home:
- Use everyday situations like sharing food or arranging toys to show multiplication
- Ask your child to explain what each word means in a multiplication problem
- Practice with arrays using blocks, counters, or drawings
- Play games where you say a multiplication sentence and your child identifies the factors, product, or multiple
- Encourage your child to draw arrays for multiplication problems
- Remember to be patient and celebrate small wins
What to watch for
- Does your child mix up "factor" and "product"?
- Can they explain what "groups of" means?
- Do they understand that multiples are numbers in times tables?
- Can they draw arrays to show multiplication?
What not to worry about
- It's normal for children to get confused at first
- Don't expect perfect understanding right away
- Focus on the process, not just the answer
- Keep practice fun and low-pressure
Practice questions
- What are the factors in 4 × 6 = 24?
Answer: 4 and 6 - What is the product in 7 × 3 = 21?
Answer: 21 - Which number is a multiple of 5?
Answer: 15 (or 10, 20, 25, etc.) - How would you describe 5 groups of 3 using multiplication vocabulary?
Answer: 5 times 3 or 5 × 3 - Draw an array for 3 × 4.
Answer: 3 rows and 4 columns of objects
More practice: Times table facts for 3
| 3 × 0 | 3 × 1 | 3 × 2 | 3 × 3 | 3 × 4 | 3 × 5 | 3 × 6 | 3 × 7 | 3 × 8 | 3 × 9 | 3 × 10 | 3 × 11 | 3 × 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 27 | 30 | 33 | 36 |
FAQ
What is a factor in multiplication?
A factor is one of the numbers you multiply together. In 4 × 5 = 20, the factors are 4 and 5.
What is the product in multiplication?
The product is the answer you get when you multiply two or more numbers. In 6 × 3 = 18, the product is 18.
What is a multiple?
A multiple is a number that appears in a times table. For example, 6, 9, 12, 15 are multiples of 3.
How is "groups of" related to multiplication?
"Groups of" shows how many equal groups you have. For example, 4 groups of 3 means 4 equal groups with 3 items in each group.
What is an array in multiplication?
An array is a way to show multiplication using rows and columns. For 3 × 4, you would draw 3 rows and 4 columns of objects.