Step by Step...Plus!

During my posts I have only been focusing on how solve math problems or word problems by using multiplication. Students are going to learn that not all problems are multiplication problems.  Some multiplication problems and word problems include addition.  With the problems you are going to have to use MULTIPLE STEPS.

Steps to solving a Multiplication & Additon Problem:

Step 1: Look at the problem
Step 2: Identify the two multiplying numbers
Step 3: Retrieve the product from the two numbers
Step 4: Add the product and the other number to solve the problem.



By using the multiplication steps a student would be able to answer the problem as:

1. 7 x 4 + 2=               2. 3 x 7 + 8=           3. 6 x 4 + 2=
     
    28 + 2= 30                  21 + 8= 29               24 + 2= 30


When students are given a multistep word problems these same rules must be applied, but they are given more of a challenge because they must read the problem first.


Steps to solving a Multiplication & Additon Word Problem:

Step 1: Read the problem
Step 2: Identify the key words/numbers
Step 3: Identify the multiplying numbers
Step 4: Retrieve the product from the two numbers
Step 5: Add the product and the other number to solve the problem.




To solve problem #3 students would highlight important clues:

- Polly 22 marbles
- 5 bags of marbles
- 8 marbles in each bag

Once identifying that the two multiplying numbers are 5 & 8 the studet will multiply them:

5 x 8=40 marbles

Lastly the student will have to add the product (40 marbles) by 22 marbles:

40 + 22= 62 marbles


Common Core Standards:

CSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.OA.A.
Write simple expressions that record calculations with numbers, and interpret numerical expressions without evaluating them. For example, express the calculation "add 8 and 7, then multiply by 2" as 2 × (8 + 7). Recognize that 3 × (18932 + 921) is three times as large as 18932 + 921, without having to calculate the indicated sum or product.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.OA.A.3
Solve multistep word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole-number answers using the four operations, including problems in which remainders must be interpreted. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding.

What's That Method?

When introducting long multiplication into the curriculumn, educators know that there will be some fairness, hesitation, and difficulty when present to students.  There are some students who will find it easy and grasp the material easily.  Then there will be some students who truly find it difficult to do and they may become frustrated and flustered.  When I was in school multiplication was introduced one type of way, with a number on the type, a multiplying number on the bottom and a line underneath it.  Until this day I still multiply my numbers the same way, but times have changed and math as evolved so there are an abundant amount of methods that can be used for long multiplication.

Once the students have watched the video they can be given more than one method ot find the product of there multiplication problem.

The first method of finding the answer to long multiplication is a COLUMN METHOD.

 A second method that can be demonstrated for students is the Lattice Method.

By providing students with different methods to solve a long multiplication problem we are offering students different choices to choose from to retrieve the correct and same answer.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NBT.B.5
Multiply a whole number of up to four digits by a one-digit whole number, and multiply two two-digit numbers, using strategies based on place value and the properties of operations. Illustrate and explain the calculation by using equations, rectangular arrays, and/or area models.

What's The WORD!!!

Solving word problems could be difficult for some people because they have to do multiple steps when trying to figure out the answer.  

Step 1: Read the problem 

Step 2: Identify the key words/numbers

Step 3: Set up the mathematical problem

Step 4: Solve the problem

Below is a video which can help students and adults help understand better how to solve multiplication problems.

After completing the video possibly once or twice you should try to apply what you learned in the video to word problems. 

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.A.3
Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.C.7
Fluently multiply and divide within 100, using strategies such as the relationship between multiplication and division (e.g., knowing that 8 × 5 = 40, one knows 40 ÷ 5 = 8) or properties of operations. By the end of Grade 3, know from memory all products of two one-digit numbers

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Happy Lunar New Year!
When I was in school I loved when the holidays were incoporated into our lessons of the day.  To me they were exciting and intriguing because it not only promoted learning in the classroom, but it promted children of the many cultures to come up and speak about that special holiday. This new year is the year of the pig and some of the characteristics that it symbolizes is hard working, trusting, and indulgent.  These are some characteristics that can be inspiring to students when learning multiplication.  For some students multiplication or overall math can be intimidating to them, but by incorporating fun and holiday activities into the curriculum it creates a creative and interactive classroom.

As an educator I would want my students mental math to be improving I would play a game with my students as my father did me and I would call out multiplication questions.  I too would turn it into a game so my students and I can play and constantly play with it throughout the day until school year is over.  Once I feel confident that my students can identify some of the numbers, I would give them a multiplication worksheet.  It would be a worksheet based off the Chinese New Year Holiday.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.A.4Determine the unknown whole number in a multiplication or division equation relating three whole numbers. For example, determine the unknown number that makes the equation true in each of the equations 8 × ? = 48, 5 = _ ÷ 3, 6 × 6 = ?

Students would be encouraged to use their mental math, but after an alotted time has passed, I would provide students with a multiplication chart for students because mental math can be difficult depending on which numbers are being multiplied