Lesson 3 — Activity 2: Multiplying Whole Numbers


Getting Ready


Think about how you could solve this problem:

This chef could use multiplication to solve the problem.

The head chef of a restaurant was asked to prepare meals for 3 groups of 5 customers each. How many meals will she have to prepare in total?

You could use multiplication to solve it.

     

This diagram shows 3 groups of 5 each:

      0  0  0  0  0
      0  0  0  0  0
      0  0  0  0  0

If you entered 3 x 5 on a calculator, it would display the answer 15.


Try This:


Sometimes it is quick to use a multiplication table to help solve both simple and more complex multiplication questions.


Click here to access a multiplication table. Print it off and complete it. 


Here is a multiplication chart mystery puzzle you can solve!



Many strategies can be used to multiply numbers, such as using:

  • base 10 blocks (manipulatives) Base ten blocks are used to solve many math problems.


  • multiplication arrays


  • estimating and calculating by using paper and pencil


  • checking, by using a calculator


Click here to watch a video to see the strategies that can be used to multiply. Watch until the end of step 8.


Click here to find extra practise questions on multiplication. Answers are supplied!


Go to the next page to try a Self-check Activity on multiplying whole numbers.