What Does Repeated Addition Mean?

Repeated addition is a fundamental concept in mathematics that involves adding the same number multiple times. It’s a foundational concept that forms the basis for multiplication. As a teacher, explaining repeated addition involves breaking it down into simpler terms for students. Let’s take a look at some important points when teaching this multiplication concept to your students.

Basic Understanding – Start by illustrating simple examples. For instance, if we have 3 + 3 + 3, it means adding 3 three times.

Relation to Multiplication – Emphasize that repeated addition is closely linked to multiplication. For example, 3 + 3 + 3 can also be written as 3 x 3. This demonstrates that multiplication is essentially a shortcut for repeated addition.

Visual Representation – Use visual aids like objects or pictures to make it more tangible. For instance, show three groups of three objects each and count the total. This reinforces the concept that adding the same number multiple times results in multiplication.

Practice Multiplication With Repeated Addition!

If you are looking for a resource to help strengthen your students’ understanding of how multiplication and addition are related, you have come to the right place! Teach Starter has developed a set of 24 task cards to focus on repeated addition. These task cards require students to write multiplication equations for a given repeated addition sentence, determine a repeated addition sentence for a given multiplication problem, as analyze if an answer is correct or not.

This teacher-created resource also comes with a recording sheet for students to write down their answers and an answer key to make grading quick and easy!

How to Get Your Multiplication Task Cards

Looking to download this set of task cards? Head on over to the green download button to access the quick-print PDF file and editable Google Slides document. If selecting the Google Slides option, please note that you will first be prompted to make a copy of the resource to your personal drive before accessing it.

This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a teacher in Colorado and a Teach Starter Collaborator.

More Multiplication Resources For Your Classroom!

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities to shorten your lesson planning time:

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Color by Number – Repeated Addition and Multiplication

Guide your students to connect repeated addition with multiplication by completing this color-by-code multiplication worksheet.

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Introduction to Multiplication Strategies Teaching Slides

Introduce your students to different multiplication strategies such as arrays, equal groups, repeated addition and skip counting with this 34-page slide deck.

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Roll and Multiply Interactive Activity

Teach your students the multiplication strategy of repeated addition using this colorful interactive dice game!