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What is 3 × 12?

Grade Level:

Class 3

Maths, Computing, AI

Definition
What is it?

3 × 12 means adding the number 12 three times (12 + 12 + 12). It is a basic multiplication problem where you find the product of 3 and 12.

Simple Example
Quick Example

Imagine you buy 3 packets of biscuits, and each packet has 12 biscuits. To find the total number of biscuits, you would calculate 3 × 12. This tells you how many biscuits you have in total.

Worked Example
Step-by-Step

Let's find the value of 3 × 12:

Step 1: Understand what 3 × 12 means. It means adding 12 three times.
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Step 2: Write it as an addition problem: 12 + 12 + 12.
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Step 3: Add the first two numbers: 12 + 12 = 24.
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Step 4: Now add the result to the last number: 24 + 12.
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Step 5: Add the ones place digits: 4 + 2 = 6.
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Step 6: Add the tens place digits: 2 + 1 = 3.
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Step 7: Combine the results. The total is 36.

So, 3 × 12 = 36.

Why It Matters

Understanding multiplication is key for many advanced topics like programming and data analysis. Computer scientists use multiplication for calculations in algorithms, and AI engineers use it in machine learning models to process information. This basic skill is the foundation for future careers in technology and science.

Common Mistakes

MISTAKE: Adding 3 and 12 instead of multiplying them (3 + 12 = 15). | CORRECTION: Remember that the '×' symbol means multiplication, which is repeated addition. So, it's 12 added 3 times, not 3 added to 12.

MISTAKE: Confusing the order and thinking it means 3 added 12 times (3 + 3 + ... 12 times). | CORRECTION: While multiplication is commutative (3 × 12 is same as 12 × 3), for understanding, it's usually 'number of groups' × 'items in each group'. So, 3 groups of 12.

MISTAKE: Making errors in basic addition when doing repeated addition (e.g., 12 + 12 = 23). | CORRECTION: Practice your basic addition facts carefully. Double-check your sums, especially when carrying over digits.

Practice Questions
Try It Yourself

QUESTION: What is 4 × 10? | ANSWER: 40

QUESTION: If a auto-rickshaw fare is Rs 15 per kilometer, how much would it cost for a 3 km ride? | ANSWER: Rs 45

QUESTION: A baker makes 12 ladoos every hour. If he works for 3 hours, how many ladoos will he make in total? | ANSWER: 36 ladoos

MCQ
Quick Quiz

Which of these expressions is equal to 3 × 12?

12 + 3

12 + 12 + 12

3 + 3 + 3

3 - 12

The Correct Answer Is:

B

Option B (12 + 12 + 12) correctly represents 3 × 12, which means adding 12 three times. Option A is addition, and Options C and D are incorrect ways to represent multiplication.

Real World Connection
In the Real World

When you buy groceries using a UPI app, the app calculates the total cost by multiplying the quantity of each item by its price. For example, if you buy 3 packets of milk costing Rs 12 each, the app quickly calculates 3 × 12 to show you Rs 36 as the total for milk.

Key Vocabulary
Key Terms

MULTIPLICATION: A way of adding the same number many times | PRODUCT: The answer you get when you multiply numbers | FACTOR: A number that is multiplied by another number to find a product | REPEATED ADDITION: Adding the same number multiple times

What's Next
What to Learn Next

Great job understanding 3 × 12! Next, you should explore multiplication tables for other numbers like 4 and 5. This will help you multiply bigger numbers faster and solve more complex problems with confidence.

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