L1 · Equal groups: composing a product

Learning goal

“I can build a product from equal groups. I can say how many groups, how many in each group, and how many in all - and write it with the x sign.”

Equal groups — groups that all hold the same number of things. Multiplication only works when the groups are equal.

Factor — one of the numbers being multiplied. In 4 x 6, the factors are 4 and 6.

Product — the result of a multiplication: the total in all the groups.

Multiply — to join equal groups into one total. The sign is x, read "times" or "groups of."

Worked example

There are 4 bags. Each bag holds 6 marbles. How many marbles in all? Step 1 (name the parts): groups = 4. In each group = 6. We want the total. Step 2 (write it): 4 groups of 6 -> 4 x 6. Step 3 (find the total): count the groups of 6: 6, 12, 18, 24. Product = 24. Say it plainly: the first factor counts the groups. The second factor counts what is in each group. The product counts everything.

Check yourself — explain it

In 4 x 6, the 4 and the 6 tell different things because...

Paired problem — example still visible

5 shelves hold 7 books each: groups 5, in each 7 -> 5 x 7 = 35

Faded completion — last step is yours

"3 boxes hold 8 crayons each: groups 3, in each 8 -> 3 x 8 = ___" -> 24

Ready to practise?

10 scored questions with a 3-rung hint ladder. Mastery needs 8/10 plus both gate questions.

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