Big Problem? Break It Apart

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

4

Overview

This Google Slide Show gets students warmed-up by activating their thinking about expanding numbers in various ways. Students will then use that knowledge to solve multi-digit multiplication problems.

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Phase

Before/Engage

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 4

MA19.4.11
Find the product of two factors (up to four digits by a one-digit number and two two-digit numbers), using strategies based on place value and the properties of operations.

Vocabulary

Product
Factor
Compose
Decompose
Digit
Strategy
Place value
Properties of operations
Equation
Rectangular array
Area model
Partial product
Multiple of 10

Knowledge

Students know:

How to compose and decompose numbers in a variety of ways using place value and the properties of operations.
How to represent the product of two factors using an area model.
Use strategies based on place value (partial products), the properties of operations, arrays and area models to represent a two digit factor times a two digit factor.

Skills

Students are able to:

Use strategies based on place value and the properties of operations to find products.
Illustrate the product of two factors using rectangular arrays and area models.
Explain the product of two factors using equations.
Make connections between models and equations.

Understanding

Students understand that:

arrays, area models, place value strategies, and the properties of operations can be used to find products of a single digit factor by a multi-digit factor and products of two two-digit factors.

Learning Objectives

Students will break apart larger factors to help them solve multi-digit multiplication problems.

Activity Details

Show the slide one to the students. Read the title of the task aloud. The teacher will ask, "What does it mean to break apart a number?"
Show slide two to the students. The teacher will ask students to look at the problem and then break that number apart in their journals. (Teachers can also simply ask for verbal responses and record these on the board.)
Show slide three and point out that you used friendly numbers (multiples of ten) to help you break the problem apart. The teacher will ask, "Why does this make it easier for us to solve?"
Show slide four to students. The students will record their solutions in their journals. (You can shorten this activity by assigning groups of students a certain problem.)
Have students share their work.

Assessment Strategies

Check student work at the conclusion of the activity to assess their understanding. You can use the following guidelines to ensure students meet the learning objective.

Check that the student:

correctly expanded the larger factor
could use their strategy to solve the problem

Variation Tips

Teachers may change out the numbers to use this slide show multiples times. Teachers may also change out numbers to differentiate instruction.

Background / Preparation

The teacher will need a computer and projector to show the Google Slide Show. Students may complete this activity verbally or use a pencil to record answers in their math journals/paper.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1JmvsTL0Yg-RtUtEDy4i9mZ24dZDkf5SGNeSbRst…

Approved Date

2020-06-23

Owner (Author)

mfrye

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