How can I multiply a group of numbers?

Part ofMaths and NumeracyNumbers and number processes

Snoot is shopping for blobs and eyeballs. He uses multiplication to find their total cost.

How can I multiply a group of numbers?

There are two different ways to multiply a group of numbers by another number.

You could multiply each number separately and then add them together

Or you could add the numbers together first and then multiply.

Example

How much is two groups of three and two groups of four put together?

You can do this as 2 x 3 = 6 and 2 x 4 = 8.

Then add these together.

6 + 8 = 14

You can also do this by adding first. 3 + 4 = 7.

Then multiply 2 x 7 = 14

The answer is the same, so use whichever way seems better for you.

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Quiz

Fin and Snoot add up some of their favourite snacks: space grubs and astro bugs.

Which way round should I add two numbers?

Fin and Snoot use multiplication to help them pack for a holiday.

Which order should I multiply numbers in?

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