What is 4 × 12?

S1-SA1-0687

Grade Level:

Class 3

Maths, Computing, AI

Definition

What is it?

4 × 12 means adding the number 12 to itself 4 times. It is a way to do multiplication, which is a faster way of doing repeated addition.

Simple Example

Quick Example

Imagine you buy 4 packets of biscuits, and each packet has 12 biscuits. To find out the total number of biscuits you have, you would calculate 4 × 12.

Worked Example

Step-by-Step

Let's find the value of 4 × 12.

Step 1: Understand that 4 × 12 means 12 + 12 + 12 + 12.
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Step 2: Add the first two 12s: 12 + 12 = 24.
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Step 3: Add the next 12 to the result: 24 + 12 = 36.
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Step 4: Add the last 12 to the result: 36 + 12 = 48.
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So, 4 × 12 = 48.

Why It Matters

Understanding multiplication is key for many advanced topics in Maths and even in Computing. For example, knowing multiplication helps you calculate data usage for your mobile or understand how many items can fit in a storage space. This skill is used by software developers, data analysts, and even people managing a small shop.

Common Mistakes

MISTAKE: Adding 4 and 12 to get 16. | CORRECTION: Multiplication means repeated addition, not just simple addition of the two numbers. You need to add 12 four times.

MISTAKE: Confusing the order, thinking it means 12 + 4. | CORRECTION: While 12 x 4 gives the same answer, 4 x 12 literally means 'four groups of twelve'.

MISTAKE: Forgetting to carry over numbers when doing column multiplication (if using that method). | CORRECTION: Always remember to carry over tens to the next column when a sum is 10 or more.

Practice Questions

Try It Yourself

QUESTION: A auto-rickshaw driver charges Rs. 15 for each trip. If he makes 4 trips, how much money does he earn? | ANSWER: Rs. 60

QUESTION: If a box contains 10 laddoos, how many laddoos are there in 4 such boxes? | ANSWER: 40 laddoos

QUESTION: Your school playground has 4 rows of benches. Each row has 12 benches, and each bench can seat 2 students. How many students can sit on all the benches? | ANSWER: 96 students

MCQ

Quick Quiz

Which of these is the correct way to calculate 4 × 12?

4 + 12

12 + 12 + 12 + 12

4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4

12 - 4

The Correct Answer Is:

Option B (12 + 12 + 12 + 12) correctly shows repeated addition, which is what multiplication means. Option A is simple addition, Option C is 12 x 4, and Option D is subtraction.

Real World Connection

In the Real World

When you buy items from a shop, like 4 packets of chips costing Rs. 12 each, you use 4 × 12 to find the total bill. Even apps like Swiggy or Zomato use multiplication to calculate the total cost of your order if you add multiple items of the same price.

Key Vocabulary

Key Terms

MULTIPLICATION: A mathematical operation that is a shortcut for repeated addition | PRODUCT: The answer you get when you multiply numbers | FACTOR: The numbers that are multiplied together to get a product | REPEATED ADDITION: Adding the same number multiple times

What's Next

What to Learn Next

Great job understanding multiplication! Next, you can learn about 'Multiplication Tables' to quickly solve problems like these without repeated addition. Knowing tables makes calculations much faster!