Interpret Multiplication as Equal Groups

Times means equal groups.

First factor: how many groups.

Read it: Same number in each group

You have 3 trays of apples. You could count every apple from one. Look at 3, then 6, then 9 — three on each tray.

1. Count the trays: 3 equal groups.
2. Count the apples on one tray: 3 in each group.
3. Say 3 for each tray: 3, 6, 9. That is 3 × 3 = 9.

Counting all 9 apples from one works, but it is slow, and you can skip an apple.

Each tray holds the same 3, so you only need to know one tray and how many trays.

Skip counting 3, 6, 9 names the running total as you pass each tray.

When each group has the same number, count the groups, not every apple.

3 × 5 = ___ — 15. 3 trays with 5 apples in each: skip-count the trays — 5, 10, 15.