Unlocking Multiplication: The Distributive Property!

Mathematics Grades 4th Grade 6:09 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to break down multiplication problems into smaller, easier steps using the distributive property. Discover how this helps solve tricky calculations!

Video Resource

Using the distributive property when multiplying

Khan Academy

Duration: 6:09
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Distributive Property of Multiplication
  • Breaking down numbers into smaller parts
  • Simplifying multiplication problems

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define the distributive property.
  • Students will be able to break down multiplication problems using the distributive property.
  • Students will be able to solve multiplication problems by applying the distributive property.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they already know about multiplication. Briefly review multiplication facts. Introduce the idea that there are different ways to solve multiplication problems, and that this lesson will explore a new strategy.
  • Watching the Video (10 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video: 'Using the distributive property when multiplying.' Encourage students to pay attention to how the instructor breaks down the multiplication problems.
  • Discussion (10 mins)
    After the video, have a class discussion about the distributive property. Ask students to explain, in their own words, what the video was about and how the distributive property works.
  • Guided Practice (15 mins)
    Work through example problems on the board, demonstrating how to apply the distributive property. Start with simpler examples (e.g., 4 x 6) and gradually increase the difficulty (e.g., 6 x 9). Emphasize the steps involved: breaking down one of the factors, multiplying, and then adding.
  • Independent Practice (15 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet containing multiplication problems to solve using the distributive property. Circulate to provide assistance and answer questions.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the key concepts of the lesson. Ask students to share how the distributive property can help them solve multiplication problems more easily.

Interactive Exercises

  • Group Work
    Divide students into small groups. Give each group a set of multiplication problems to solve using the distributive property. Have each group share their solutions and explain their strategies to the class.

Discussion Questions

  • What is the distributive property in your own words?
  • Can you think of a time when using the distributive property might be helpful?
  • How does breaking down a number make multiplication easier?

Skills Developed

  • Multiplication
  • Problem-solving
  • Analytical thinking

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does 'distribute' mean in the distributive property?

Correct Answer: To share or give out

Question 2:

Which number are you breaking apart when using the distributive property?

Correct Answer: Any number in the problem

Question 3:

What is 4 x 7 the same as?

Correct Answer: (4 x 5) + (4 x 2)

Question 4:

What is the first step in using the distributive property to solve 6 x 8?

Correct Answer: Breaking the 8 into smaller numbers that add up to 8

Question 5:

Which problem shows the distributive property?

Correct Answer: 5 x (3 + 2) = (5 x 3) + (5 x 2)

Question 6:

What is 6 x 9 using (6 x 10) - (6 x 1)?

Correct Answer: 54

Question 7:

What is the value of (3 x 4) + (3 x 2)?

Correct Answer: 18

Question 8:

Which expression is equal to 7 x 6?

Correct Answer: (7 x 3) + (7 x 3)

Question 9:

Why is the distributive property helpful?

Correct Answer: It makes multiplication problems easier

Question 10:

What part of 8 x 6 is (8 x 3) + (8 x 3)?

Correct Answer: Part of the answer

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The distributive property helps us _________ down multiplication problems.

Correct Answer: break

Question 2:

When we distribute, we are sharing the multiplication with each _________.

Correct Answer: part

Question 3:

4 x 7 can be rewritten as (4 x 5) + (4 x _________).

Correct Answer: 2

Question 4:

The distributive property only works with __________ and addition/subtraction.

Correct Answer: multiplication

Question 5:

Parentheses tell us to do that part of the equation _________.

Correct Answer: first

Question 6:

To solve 5 x 8 using the distributive property, you can do (5 x 4) + (5 x _______).

Correct Answer: 4

Question 7:

Before you can add using the distributive property, you have to _________.

Correct Answer: multiply

Question 8:

If you can't remember what 7 x 8 is, use the _________ property.

Correct Answer: distributive

Question 9:

With the distributive property, you are looking for smaller __________ to add up.

Correct Answer: parts

Question 10:

In the equation (6 x 3) + (6 x 2), you can also add 3 + 2 to get 5 and do 6 x ________.

Correct Answer: 5

Educational Standards

4.N.2.2: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.N.2.5:Use strategies and algorithms (e.g., mental strategies, standard algorithms, partial quotients, repeated subtraction, the commutative, associative, and distributive properties) based on knowledge of place value, equality, and properties of operations to divide a 3-digit dividend by a 1-digit whole number divisor, with and without remainders.

Teaching Materials

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