What does repeated addition refer to in mathematics?

Repeated addition is a fundamental mathematical concept that refers to the process of adding the same number repeatedly, which is a way to express multiplication. For example, instead of calculating (4 + 4 + 4), which is the addition of the number 4 three times, you can express this operation as (3 \times 4). This illustrates how repeated addition builds the foundation for understanding multiplication, making it an essential concept in mathematics.

The other choices do not accurately describe repeated addition. The technique used in subtraction does not involve repeated addition, and while simplifying fractions is a different mathematical process, it does not relate to the act of adding numbers multiple times. Lastly, the concept of dividing numbers is another distinct operation entirely, separate from the idea of repeating addition.