Multiplying Multiple Numbers
Did you know you can multiply more than two numbers at once?
When multiplying three or more numbers, you can multiply them in any order! The product (answer) will be the same. This is called the Associative Property of Multiplication. Let's learn how to do this step by step.
How to Multiply Three or More Numbers
1️⃣ Choose any two numbers to multiply first
2️⃣ Multiply that answer with the next number
3️⃣ Continue until you've multiplied all the numbers
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: 4 × 5 × 3
Let's solve this step by step:
First, multiply 4 × 5 = 20
Then multiply that answer by 3: 20 × 3 = 60
So, 4 × 5 × 3 = 60
You could also multiply 5 × 3 first: 5 × 3 = 15
Then multiply by 4: 4 × 15 = 60
Same answer! Cool, right?
Example 2: 6 × 2 × 5 × 3
This one has four numbers! Let's try it:
First, multiply 6 × 2 = 12
Then multiply by 5: 12 × 5 = 60
Finally, multiply by 3: 60 × 3 = 180
So, 6 × 2 × 5 × 3 = 180
Notice that 2 × 5 = 10, and multiplying by 10 is easy!
You could do: 6 × (2 × 5) × 3 = 6 × 10 × 3 = 60 × 3 = 180
Look for pairs that make 10 - it makes multiplication easier!
Parent Tips 🌟
- Real-world practice: Have your child calculate totals when grocery shopping (e.g., price per apple × number of apples × number of family members)
- Game time: Play multiplication card games where players multiply three drawn cards together
- Encourage different approaches: Ask your child to solve problems multiple ways to reinforce the associative property