Multiplication: A Lesson for 3rd Graders

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Multiplication A Lesson for 3rd Graders

• By Magan Lantagne

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What is Multiplication?

• It is the total number, or product, that is got
  by combining several groups of similar size.
• To put things simply, multiplication is the
  result of repeated addition.
• For example, if we are combining 7 groups with 4
  objects in each group, we could arrive at the
  same answer by addition.
• 444444428 Which is equal to the
  multiplication equation 7 X 4 28.

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Parts of a Multiplication Problem

• Factor X Factor Product
• The two or more numbers that you are multiplying
  together are called Factors
• The symbol X between them is the multiplication
  symbol. It tells you that you are multiplying,
  instead of adding, subtracting, or dividing.
  People often call this the times sign.
• The equal sign, , tells you that the answer is
  on the other side of the equation.
• The Product is the answer of the two factors
  that have been multiplied together.

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Using Repeated Addition as Multiplication

• Lets take a closer look at a few multiplication
  equations and use repeated addition to find the
  products.
• 3 X 3 (3 added 3 times) 3 3 3 9
• 2 X 4 (2 added 4 times) 2 2 2 2 8
• 1 X 5 (1 added 5 times) 1 1 1 1 1 5
• Got the hang of that strategy? Lets Move on

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Building Blocks

• Multiplication can also be done using tables and
  creating building blocks

X 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1              
2              
3            
4              
5              
6              
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Take the equation 3 X 2 for example We want two
stacks, and we want three blocks in each of those
stacks. How many blocks are there total? -there
are 6 blocks total
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More Practice
X 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1              
2              
3              
4              
5              
6              
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• What would the equation be for this?
• Hint-how many rows are there? How many stacks are
  there?
• Now, using your equation, how many green blocks
  should be filled in?
• Check the diagram to see if you were correct
• The equation should read
• 3 X 5 15

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Multiplying using Groups

• You can also think of multiplying as grouping.
• For example, say you are multiplying 3 and 2.
  Besides 3 X 2, you can now call it 3 groups of 2

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Closer look

• Lets take a closer look at that with a visual
  aid.
• Group1 Group 2 Group 3

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See now wasnt that simple?

• Just remember, the key to multiplying is the
  strategy that you go about it
• Youve mastered adding already, and all
  multiplication is, is adding together a number
  extra times!

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Whats Next

• Take some time and practice what youve just
  learned by visiting the sites listed on the
  beginning page.
• Also, play some games to get you in the groove of
  things
• Once youve done this, work on the worksheet and
  take a practice quiz
• Dont forget to check your work with the answer
  key provided once youre finished