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Multiplication and Division

To solve division and multiplication problems;

To know that division is the inverse of multiplication.

Abacus Workbook 3 | 100 beaded string | 📄 Mixed word problems | Plastic cubes

array | times tables | lots of | groups of | divided into groups of

Give your student a word problem.

For example: Sarah has 15 mini-eggs. She decorates a cake with 5 mini-eggs. How many cakes can she decorate?

First challenge your student to discuss with you whether this is a multiplication or grouping problem.

Establish that they will have to work out how many 5s are in 15.

Using the 100 beaded string, ask your student to identify the groups of 5. How many are there? 3.

Your student should then record:

There are 3 groups of 5 in 15.

Lay the beaded string out flat on some paper.

Repeat the task above but by drawing hops of 3 under the beaded string. Does this give us the same answer? No.

Return to the question – Sarah has enough eggs to decorate 3 cakes.

Ask your student to double-check the answer by working out 3 x 5 [= 15].

Then give your student a multiplication problem.

For example: Jeff the farmer had 4 boxes of 6 eggs. How many eggs did he have altogether?

Ask your student to discuss with you whether this is a multiplication or grouping problem. Are there any clues in the question?

Ask them to write the number sentence they will need to work this out:

4 x 6 = 24.

This video talks through the above two word problems, and strategies for solving.

Have small plastic cubes available for your student to work with.

Ask them to read each problem and then to discuss with you what operation they will need to do in order to work it out.

They should use the cubes to help them work out the answer, recording multiplication or division number sentences as necessary.

To help your student consolidate their learning from today, please ask them to complete the activities on page 32 of Abacus Workbook 3.