Multiplication: The Speedy Addition!

Mathematics Grades 4th Grade 3:01 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how multiplication is just a faster way to add the same number over and over again!

Video Resource

Multiplication as repeated addition

Khan Academy

Duration: 3:01
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Multiplication as repeated addition
  • Commutative property of multiplication (order doesn't matter)
  • Visual representation of multiplication

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define multiplication as repeated addition.
  • Students will be able to convert a multiplication problem into an addition problem.
  • Students will be able to recognize that changing the order of factors doesn't change the product.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Start by asking students if they know what multiplication is. Then introduce the idea that multiplication is just a quick way to add the same number many times. Show the beginning of the Khan Academy video (up to 1:00) to introduce the concept with the avocado example.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    Work through examples together as a class. Start with simple problems like 3 x 4 and have students write it out as 4 + 4 + 4. Then, calculate the answer. Do a few more examples, varying the numbers. Include examples from the video (1:00-2:30).
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Give students a worksheet with multiplication problems to solve. They should rewrite each problem as repeated addition and then solve. Examples: 5 x 2, 4 x 3, 2 x 6, 3 x 5.
  • Commutative Property Exploration (10 mins)
    Show the rest of the Khan Academy video (2:30-3:30). Discuss how 4 x 3 and 3 x 4 both equal 12. Explain that changing the order of the numbers you're multiplying doesn't change the answer. Provide examples and ask students to solve them both ways to see the pattern.
  • Wrap-up and Review (5 mins)
    Quickly review the main concepts: Multiplication is repeated addition. The order of numbers in multiplication doesn't change the answer. Ask students to give examples.

Interactive Exercises

  • Drawing Arrays
    Have students draw arrays to represent multiplication problems. For example, for 3 x 4, they would draw 3 rows of 4 dots. Then, they can count the dots to find the answer. This provides a visual representation of repeated addition.

Discussion Questions

  • Can you think of a time when multiplication would be much faster than addition?
  • Does it matter which number you write first when you're turning multiplication into addition? Why or why not?
  • Can you think of any real-life situations where you use multiplication?

Skills Developed

  • Multiplication
  • Addition
  • Problem-solving
  • Critical Thinking

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which addition problem is the same as 3 x 5?

Correct Answer: 5 + 5 + 5

Question 2:

What does 'times' mean in math?

Correct Answer: To add the same number many times

Question 3:

Which multiplication problem is the same as 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2?

Correct Answer: 2 x 6

Question 4:

What is 4 x 2?

Correct Answer: 8

Question 5:

What is 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5?

Correct Answer: 25

Question 6:

Which of these is NOT a way to solve 2 x 4?

Correct Answer: Subtracting 4 - 2

Question 7:

Is 3 x 6 the same as 6 x 3?

Correct Answer: Yes

Question 8:

Which number sentence shows 7 x 2 written as repeated addition?

Correct Answer: 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2

Question 9:

What number is missing? 4 x 3 = ____ + ____ + ____

Correct Answer: 3 + 3 + 3

Question 10:

If you eat 2 apples every day for 5 days, how many apples did you eat in total?

Correct Answer: 10

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

Multiplication is like adding the same number over and over ________.

Correct Answer: again

Question 2:

3 x 4 means adding the number 4 _____ times.

Correct Answer: three

Question 3:

2 + 2 + 2 + 2 can be written as 4 x _____.

Correct Answer: 2

Question 4:

The answer to a multiplication problem is called the ________.

Correct Answer: product

Question 5:

5 x 3 = 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + ________.

Correct Answer: 3

Question 6:

An _________ is a visual way to represent multiplication by using rows and columns.

Correct Answer: array

Question 7:

6 x 2 is the same as 2 x _______.

Correct Answer: 6

Question 8:

9 x 1 means adding the number 1 nine _______.

Correct Answer: times

Question 9:

7 + 7 + 7 + 7 can be written as 4 _______ 7.

Correct Answer: x

Question 10:

If you have 3 groups of 4 cookies, you have a total of ________ cookies.

Correct Answer: 12

Educational Standards

4.N.2.1:[Objective] Demonstrate fluency with multiplication and division facts with factors up to 12. 4.N.2.2:[Objective] Multiply 3-digit by 1-digit and 2-digit by 2-digit whole numbers, using various strategies, including but not limited to standard algorithms. 4.A.1.1:[Objective] Create an input/output chart or table to represent or extend a numerical pattern.

Teaching Materials

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