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.

Spark

Spark

Creativity & Innovation

“Maths is like a puzzle — the fun is in figuring it out!”