Understanding Multiplication of Multiple Numbers
Multiplying three or more numbers is just like regular multiplication, but with extra steps!
When you multiply multiple numbers together, you can multiply them two at a time in any order. The commutative property of multiplication means you'll always get the same answer no matter which numbers you multiply first.
How to Multiply Three or More Numbers
1️⃣ Choose any two numbers to multiply first
2️⃣ Multiply those two numbers together
3️⃣ Multiply the result by the next number
4️⃣ Continue until you've multiplied all numbers
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: Cookie Boxes
If one box contains 4 cookies, and you have 3 boxes in each of 5 packages, how many cookies do you have total?
Let's solve: 4 (cookies) × 3 (boxes) × 5 (packages) = ?
Example 2: Building Blocks Challenge
Each floor of a building has 2 rooms, each room has 6 windows, and each window has 5 panes of glass. How many panes are there in 4 floors?
Let's solve: 2 (rooms) × 6 (windows) × 5 (panes) × 4 (floors) = ?
Parent Tips 🌟
- Real-world practice: Have your child calculate totals when shopping (e.g., price per item × number of items × number of packages).
- Grouping strategy: Encourage looking for easy pairs to multiply first (like numbers that make 10 when multiplied).
- Check with calculator: After solving problems manually, verify with a calculator to build confidence in their answers.