What process does multiplication represent in terms of addition?

Multiplication can be understood as a process of repeated addition, where a number is added to itself a certain number of times. For example, when you multiply 4 by 3 (4 × 3), it represents adding 4 together three times: 4 + 4 + 4, which equals 12. This visualization helps students understand the concept of multiplication as grouping, where they are essentially calculating the total of a set number of groups.

The emphasis on repeated addition is particularly useful in early mathematics teaching because it links multiplication with a concept that students are already familiar with—addition. This connection reinforces their understanding of how numbers interact in different mathematical operations, and it sets the foundation for more advanced mathematical concepts later on.