why

multiplication is basically adding up a certain number a certain amount of times. 2 times 2 is basically 2+2.

Don't get it? Here's an example.

If you have 2 friends who both have 2 cookies, how many cookies are there in total? 2+2=4.

The same works with other numbers, for example, 4 times 3, which is just adding 4 3 times, or 4+4+4=12

Another real life example.

There are 4 fruits in a basket, how many fruits are in 3 baskets?

4+4+4 =12