Stage 2: Repeated Addition
The number line is used as an effective informal method of written multiplication to show multiplication as repeated addition.
5 times 3 is 5+5+5=15 or 3 lots of 5 or 5x3
5 x 3 means 5, 3 times. Any language needs to match the visual image that is being used.
Initially, Numicon plates and Cuisenaire rods can be used to represent the repeated addition.
![](/_data/site/20/pg/377/48.jpg)
or
![](/_data/site/20/pg/377/49.jpg)
Following this, the repeated addition is shown on a number line as jumps.
![](/_data/site/20/pg/377/50.jpg)
Cuisenaire rods and number tracks can be used to illustrate the repeated addition alongside the Numicon plates. The number track replicates the layout of the number line.
![](/_data/site/20/pg/377/51.jpg)
Children should know that 3 x 5 has the same answer as 5 x 3. This commutativity can also be shown on the number line.
![](/_data/site/20/pg/377/52.jpg)