Model Multiplication
There are many ways to model multiplication. Unlike in the previous sections where we used base-10 blocks, here we will use counters to help us understand the meaning of multiplication. A counter is any object that can be used for counting. We will use round ...
Model Multiplication of Whole Numbers
There are many ways to model multiplication. Unlike in the previous sections where we used \(\text{base-10}\) blocks, here we will use counters to help us understand the meaning of multiplication. A counter is any object that can be used for counting. We will use round blue counters.
Example
Model: \(3\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}×\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}8.\)
Solution
To model the product \(3\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}×\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}8,\) we’ll start with a row of \(8\) counters.
The other factor is \(3,\) so we’ll make \(3\) rows of \(8\) counters.
Now we can count the result. There are \(24\) counters in all.
\(3\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}×\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}8=24\)
If you look at the counters sideways, you’ll see that we could have also made \(8\) rows of \(3\) counters. The product would have been the same. We’ll get back to this idea later.
Extra:
Model each multiplication: \(4\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}×\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}6.\)
Extra:
Model each multiplication: \(5\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}×\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}7.\)
Optional Video: Multiplying Whole Numbers
This video below by Mathispower4u explains how to multiply using whole numbers.
This lesson is part of:
Introducing Numbers