1. The problem is to solve the first multiplication problem: $40 \times 7$. 2. The formula for multiplication is: $a \times b = c$, where $a$ and $b$ are numbers and $c$ is their product. 3. Multiply $40$ by $7$: $$40 \times 7 = 280$$ 4. Explanation: Multiplying $40$ by $7$ means adding $40$ seven times or $7$ forty times, which equals $280$. 5. Final answer: $280$.