---
title: "Multiplication as repeated addition"
description: "Understand multiplication as repeated addition and grouping equal sets"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/multiplication-as-repeated-addition-mt_PZ909yPrEC
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/multiplication-as-repeated-addition-mt_PZ909yPrEC.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Multiplication as repeated addition

Understand multiplication as repeated addition and grouping equal sets

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Multiplication & Division · Ages 5 to 6
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/multiplication-as-repeated-addition-mt_PZ909yPrEC

## Ready when they can

- Explain that 3 groups of 2 is the same as 2 + 2 + 2
- Use objects to make equal groups and count the total
- Recognise an array as showing equal rows

## Lesson: Adding equal groups

Multiplication is a fast way to add. You add the same group many times. We write adding with a + sign, so 2 + 2 + 2 means 2 and 2 and 2 put together.

*(drawing: 3 groups of 2 stars is the same as 2 + 2 + 2.)*

**Example.** Mia has 3 baskets. Each basket has 2 apples. She adds 2 + 2 + 2. That makes 6 apples total.

*(drawing: An array shows 3 rows of 2. That is 3 groups of 2, just arranged in neat rows.)*

An array puts equal groups in rows. Each row is one group, and every row has the same number. 3 rows of 2 is 2 + 2 + 2, which makes 6.

**Recap.** Multiplication means adding the same-size group again and again.

## Practice

17 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Counting in 2s, 5s and 10s](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/counting-in-2s-5s-and-10s-mt_nvdpxAJTBG)
- [Addition as combining or putting together two groups](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/addition-as-combining-or-putting-together-two-groups-mt_OvyoRo47K-)

## Opens up

- [Arrays for multiplication (age 7+)](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/arrays-for-multiplication-age-7-mt_B1zj1RwQ3a)
- [Commutative Multiplication](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/commutative-multiplication-mt_C9ZfT-4cgn)
- [Arrays for multiplication](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/arrays-for-multiplication-mt_GRWwTDZ3wD)
- [What Multiplication Means](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/what-multiplication-means-mt_gtTl3R5buH)
- [Times tables](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/times-tables-mt_HhuSDxwDNM)
- [Reading ×, ÷, and = Symbols](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/reading-and-symbols-mt_zOWwLxa77y)