Leap to Multiplication: Using the Number Line!

Mathematics Grades 4th Grade 4:20 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to use the number line to understand multiplication as repeated addition and skip counting. This lesson connects multiplication to visual representations, making it easier to grasp!

Video Resource

Multiplication on the number line

Khan Academy

Duration: 4:20
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Multiplication as repeated addition
  • Skip counting
  • Number line representation of multiplication

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to represent multiplication problems on a number line.
  • Students will be able to solve multiplication problems using skip counting on a number line.
  • Students will be able to relate multiplication to repeated addition.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing what multiplication means. Ask students for examples of where they see multiplication in everyday life. Briefly introduce the number line as a tool for visualizing numbers and operations.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video 'Multiplication on the number line'. Encourage students to pay attention to how the instructor uses the number line to represent multiplication as skip counting and repeated addition.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    Work through examples of multiplication problems on the number line with the class. Start with simple problems like 3 x 2, then move to slightly more complex ones like 5 x 4. Have students draw their own number lines and follow along. Emphasize the connection between the number of 'hops' and the factors in the multiplication problem.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet containing multiplication problems. Instruct them to solve the problems by representing them on a number line. Encourage them to use different colors for each 'hop' to enhance clarity. Students can work individually or in pairs.
  • Wrap-up and Assessment (8 mins)
    Review the key concepts of the lesson. Ask students to explain in their own words how the number line helps them understand multiplication. Collect the worksheets for assessment. Use the discussion questions below to gauge understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Number Line Hop!
    Provide each student with a large printed number line (0-25). Call out multiplication problems (e.g., 4 x 3). Students physically 'hop' along the number line to represent the multiplication. This kinesthetic activity reinforces the concept of skip counting.

Discussion Questions

  • How does using a number line help you understand what multiplication means?
  • Can you think of a real-world problem where using a number line for multiplication would be helpful?
  • What is the relationship between skip counting and multiplication on a number line?

Skills Developed

  • Visual representation of multiplication
  • Problem-solving
  • Application of multiplication facts

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does 3 x 4 mean on a number line?

Correct Answer: Adding 4 three times

Question 2:

If you take 5 hops of 2 on a number line, where do you end up?

Correct Answer: 10

Question 3:

What kind of counting is most like using a number line for multiplication?

Correct Answer: Skip Counting

Question 4:

Which multiplication problem does this number line show: 0, 6, 12, 18?

Correct Answer: 3 x 6

Question 5:

If you are solving 2 x 7 on the number line, how big are each of your 'hops'?

Correct Answer: 7

Question 6:

Using the number line, what is 6 x 3?

Correct Answer: 18

Question 7:

What is the last number you land on when you do 4 x 5 on a number line?

Correct Answer: 20

Question 8:

Which number line representation is correct for 2 x 6?

Correct Answer: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12

Question 9:

Multiplication on the number line is like doing ____ over and over again.

Correct Answer: Addition

Question 10:

To solve 8 x 2 on the number line, how many hops do you take?

Correct Answer: 8

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

Multiplication is like doing repeated ______.

Correct Answer: addition

Question 2:

When using a number line for 4 x 3, you take 4 hops of _______.

Correct Answer: 3

Question 3:

Skip counting by 5s is like multiplying by ______.

Correct Answer: 5

Question 4:

On a number line, the size of each 'hop' tells you what number to _______ by.

Correct Answer: multiply

Question 5:

If you hop 6 times by 2, you land on the number _______.

Correct Answer: 12

Question 6:

The number line always starts at the number _____.

Correct Answer: 0

Question 7:

7 groups of 3 circles is the same as 7 _____ 3 on the number line.

Correct Answer: times

Question 8:

To do 9 x 2, you can skip count by 2, _____ times.

Correct Answer: 9

Question 9:

Every time you add a hop to the number line, you are doing what?

Correct Answer: multiplying

Question 10:

If you are solving 4 x 5 on the number line, you should make how many hops?

Correct Answer: 4

Educational Standards

4.N.2.1:Demonstrate fluency with multiplication and division facts with factors up to 12. 4.N.1.1:Read, write, discuss, and represent whole numbers up to 1,000,000. Representations may include numerals, words, pictures, number lines, and manipulatives. 4.A.1.1:Create an input/output chart or table to represent or extend a numerical pattern.

Teaching Materials

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