How to explain multiplication word problems in word problems to your child: Example question
31 October 2026
Multiplication word problems can seem tricky at first, but they are really just stories about equal groups. When your child learns to spot these equal groups, it becomes much easier to know when to use multiplication. The following example shows a simple way to break down this type of question.
Example question
There are 4 boxes. Each box has 7 apples. How many apples are there in total?
Step 1: Find the number of boxes. There are 4.
Step 2: Find the number of apples in each box. There are 7.
Step 3: Multiply the number of boxes by the number of apples in each box: 4 × 7
Step 4: Work out 4 × 7 = 28
Key insight: Multiplication helps you find the total when you have equal groups.
Answer: There are 28 apples in total.
After working through this example, your child will start to recognise when a word problem is about equal groups and total amounts. This is a key skill for 11+ maths and will help them feel more confident when tackling similar questions in practice.
