JENECONKMaths Universe

Multiplication

Ages 7–11

Difficulty adapts to you

Multiplication

For whole numbers, multiplication can describe equal groups or repeated addition. In 3 × 4, there are 3 groups with 4 in each group. The result is called the product.

Your goals

  • ✓You can multiply to find groups of equal size.
  • ✓You can use factor, product correctly.
  • ✓You can estimate or divide your product by one factor.

Words to know

factor:
A number being multiplied.
product:
The result of multiplication.

Examples

  • 13 × 4 = 4 + 4 + 4 = 12.
  • 27 × 8 = 56 means seven equal groups of eight have a total of fifty-six.

More than one way to solve it

Try each method, then choose the one you can explain and check most clearly.

Method 1

Arrays and equal groups

Best for: Understanding what multiplication means
  1. 1.Draw equal rows or groups.
  2. 2.Count how many are in each.
  3. 3.Find the total.

Example: 4 × 6 is four rows of six, giving 24.

Method 2

Partition with the distributive law

Best for: Two-digit factors
  1. 1.Split one factor.
  2. 2.Multiply each part.
  3. 3.Add the partial products.

Example: 17 × 6 = (10 × 6) + (7 × 6) = 60 + 42 = 102.

Method 3

Double and halve

Best for: When one factor is even
  1. 1.Halve the even factor.
  2. 2.Double the other factor.
  3. 3.Repeat if it makes the facts easier.

Example: 25 × 16 = 50 × 8 = 100 × 4 = 400.

Check these

  • • Do not use unequal groups when modelling multiplication.
  • • Keep every number, symbol, label, and unit in its correct place.
  • • Choose the method that makes each step easiest to explain and check.

Helpful habits

  • • Read the whole question before choosing what to do.
  • • Show one clear step at a time and check each step.
  • • If you are stuck, draw a model, try smaller numbers, or revisit the example.

Now try your own

Create your own multiplication example, solve it, and explain how you checked it.

Byte

Byte

Helpful Hints

“Calculators are tools, not replacements for thinking!”