Multiplying Three Numbers
Ready for a multiplication challenge?
Multiplying three numbers is just like multiplying two numbers, but with one extra step! You can multiply them in any order - the answer will always be the same. Let's break it down into simple steps.
How to Multiply Three Numbers
1️⃣ Step 1: Choose any two numbers to multiply first
2️⃣ Step 2: Multiply the result by the third number
3️⃣ Step 3: Check your answer by multiplying in a different order
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: 12 × 5 × 3
Let's solve this step by step:
Method 1: (12 × 5) × 3 = 60 × 3 = 180
Method 2: 12 × (5 × 3) = 12 × 15 = 180
Both methods give the same answer: 180
Method 3: (12 × 3) × 5 = 36 × 5 = 180
See? It works every time!
Example 2: 25 × 4 × 11
This one looks tricky, but watch how smart we can be:
First, notice that 25 × 4 = 100 (that's easy!)
Now multiply by 11: 100 × 11 = 1,100
The answer is 1,100
Alternative method: 25 × (4 × 11) = 25 × 44
25 × 40 = 1,000
25 × 4 = 100
1,000 + 100 = 1,100
Same answer! Isn't math amazing?
Parent Tips 🌟
- Real-world practice: Have your child calculate totals when buying multiple items (like 3 packs of cookies with 24 cookies each).
- Order matters: Show how multiplying easier numbers first (like 5×2 before ×10) makes calculations simpler.
- Game challenge: Play "Multiplication Race" where you take turns solving three-number problems against the clock.