Learning Activity

Yummy M&Ms - Multiplicative Comparison Intro

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

4

Overview

Students will work to solve an open-ended multiplicative comparison task. They can use manipulatives as a hands-on introduction to the topic.  They will need to write equations and solve a word problem involving multiplicative comparison.

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 4

MA19.4.1

Interpret and write equations for multiplicative comparisons.

Unpacked Content

UP:MA19.4.1

Vocabulary

  • Multiplicative comparison
  • Multiplier
  • Equation
  • Times as many
  • Times as much
  • Verbal statement
  • Factor
  • Product
  • Quantity
  • Multiple
  • Scale factor

Knowledge

Students know:
  • How to write an equation to represent a word situation.
  • Which quantity is being multiplied and which factor is telling how many times.
  • Varied language that describes multiplicative comparisons.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Interpret equations for multiplicative comparisons.
  • Write equations for multiplicative comparisons.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Multiplicative comparisons relate the size of two quantities and a scale factor.
  • Factors in multiplication problems have different roles from each other in the context of comparison problems.
  • Explanations and drawings show ways multiplicative comparisons are similar to and different from equal groups and arrays.
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 4

MA19.4.2

Solve word problems involving multiplicative comparison using drawings and write equations to represent the problem, using a symbol for the unknown number.

Unpacked Content

UP:MA19.4.2

Vocabulary

  • Multiplicative comparison
  • Times as many
  • Product
  • Factor
  • Multiplication
  • Equation
  • Symbol
  • Additive comparison
  • Tape diagram
  • Unknown

Knowledge

Students know:
  • how to find products and quotients.
  • Recognize situations represented by multiplicative comparison.
  • Distinguish between multiplicative comparison and additive comparison.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Solve word problems involving multiplicative comparison.
  • Write equations using a symbol for the unknown to represent word problems involving multiplicative comparison.
  • Use drawings to represent the word situation involving multiplicative comparison.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • additive comparison focuses on the difference between two quantities and multiplicative comparison focuses on one quantity being some number times larger than another.

Phase

Before/Engage
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to interpret and write equations for multiplicative comparisons.

Students will be able to solve word problems involving multiplicative comparison using drawings and write equations to represent the problem, using a symbol for the unknown number.

Activity Details

  • Present the Yummy M&Ms slideshow for the students and read the problem aloud.
  • Working either individually, with partners, or in table groups, students can use manipulatives (red/yellow counters, cubes, candy, etc.) to model the problem.  If students are stuck, ask them how many blue M&Ms were in the bowl if Jack only ate one green one.
  • Students should write equations to represent their models.  They can record these in their math journals or on notebook paper.
  • Once students have had a chance to work, allow them to share their equations with the class.  As students share, record equations and comparison statements on the board for the class.  For example, if a student shares 5x4=20, write both the equation and "five times as many as four is twenty." Say, "Jack had twenty blue M&Ms, which is five times as many as his four green M&Ms."
  • Hand out the exit ticket as a formative assessment.
Assessment Strategies

Assessment Strategies

Use the exit ticket and observation to assess students' ability to:

  • interpret and write equations for multiplicative comparisons
  • solve word problems involving multiplicative comparison using drawings and write equations to represent the problem, using a symbol for the unknown number. 

Variation Tips

The scale factor can be changed for the task.

Related Learning Activities

Learning Activity (During)

Slides & Pies - Multiplicative Comparison Lesson

Learning Activity (After)

Multiplicative Comparisons at the Giant's Door

Background and Preparation

Background / Preparation

Preview the Yummy M&Ms slideshow and prepare a way to display it for the class.

Gather two different colors of manipulatives for students to use during the task.

Print and copy the exit ticket for each student (there are two per page).

Digital Tools / Resources

Yummy M&Ms Slideshow
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1s7di7GduUrZHI20dT0mQ7dD6Lyi8LIjbcTeoKtG…

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

seasley
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