Alright, let's solve this math problem step by step. First, we have the number 542. Next, we see the multiplication sign, which means we need to multiply something. And what are we multiplying it by? We multiply it by 9. So, we're going to take the number 542 and add it to itself 9 times.
Step 1: 0 + 542 = 542
Step 2: 542 + 542 = 1084
Step 3: 1084 + 542 = 1626
Step 4: 1626 + 542 = 2168
Step 5: 2168 + 542 = 2710
Step 6: 2710 + 542 = 3252
Step 7: 3252 + 542 = 3794
Step 8: 3794 + 542 = 4336
Step 9: 4336 + 542 = 4878

So, 542*9 = 4878