More on Multiplication

Room 221 mathematicians are working to dig deeper into multiplication so that we are prepared for more sophisticated multiplication problems in later grades. We will break down multiplication problems with larger numbers into more manageable chunks.

For example, if we want to solve 12 x 3:

We could break it down into (10 x 3) and (2 x 3). 

**I understand many third grade mathematicians are able to solve 12 x 3 in their head. I will still ask them to practice using this strategy in class so that they can understand the concept and the process. It's important that they can use the strategy later with larger numbers that they can't solve in their head. 

You can also imagine the process using base ten blocks:

You may recognize that using the base ten blocks is very similar to the standard algorithm you were probably taught in school. You multiply the ones place and you multiply the tens place. 

Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions. Encourage your mathematician to ask questions in math class! Questions help us learn.