Alright, let's solve this math problem step by step. First, we have the number 972. Next, we see the multiplication sign, which means we need to multiply something. And what are we multiplying it by? We multiply it by 18. So, we're going to take the number 972 and add it to itself 18 times.
Step 1: 0 + 972 = 972
Step 2: 972 + 972 = 1944
Step 3: 1944 + 972 = 2916
Step 4: 2916 + 972 = 3888
Step 5: 3888 + 972 = 4860
Step 6: 4860 + 972 = 5832
Step 7: 5832 + 972 = 6804
Step 8: 6804 + 972 = 7776
Step 9: 7776 + 972 = 8748
Step 10: 8748 + 972 = 9720
Step 11: 9720 + 972 = 10692
Step 12: 10692 + 972 = 11664
Step 13: 11664 + 972 = 12636
Step 14: 12636 + 972 = 13608
Step 15: 13608 + 972 = 14580
Step 16: 14580 + 972 = 15552
Step 17: 15552 + 972 = 16524
Step 18: 16524 + 972 = 17496

So, 972*18 = 17496