When we have to work out lots of repeated additions of the same amount, it is much easier to multiply.
Example
A dog has 4 legs.
How many legs will 12 dogs have?
Answer
We need to work out 12 lots of 4,
which is quicker than adding 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + ... etc. twelve times.
This is 12 × 4.
12 × 4 = 48
12 dogs will have 48 legs.