Hello, friends! Have you ever tried to solve a multiplication problem and found it a bit tricky? Don’t worry! Today, we’re going to learn a fun and easy way to multiply numbers using something called the “area method.” Let’s dive in!
Before we start, let’s quickly talk about what multiplication is. Multiplication is like adding the same number many times. For example, if you have 3 groups of 4 apples, you can multiply 3 times 4 to find out how many apples you have in total. It’s like magic math!
When some people multiply, they use a method called the “algorithm method.” It’s a bit like a secret code. Let’s say we want to multiply 42 by 6. Here’s how it works:
But sometimes, this way can be a little confusing. That’s why we have another cool method!
Now, let’s learn the area method. It’s like drawing a picture to solve the problem!
Wow! We got the same answer as before, but in a fun and colorful way!
The area method helps us see how multiplication works in a different way. It’s like having another tool in your math toolbox. Some people find it easier to understand, especially when they’re just starting to learn multiplication.
If you want to get even better at multiplication, try practicing with different numbers. You can also watch fun videos like “What is Multiplication” and “Multiplication Wrap” to learn more. Keep exploring and have fun with math!
Thanks for learning with us today. Remember, math is like a big adventure, and you’re doing great! Keep practicing, and you’ll become a multiplication master in no time!
Build Your Own Multiplication Garden: Use colored paper or cardboard to create your own “multiplication garden.” Cut out flower shapes and write a multiplication problem on each flower, such as 3 x 4 or 5 x 2. Then, draw a rectangle on a piece of paper and divide it into sections to represent the area method. Use crayons or markers to color each section and write the partial products. Finally, add the partial products to find the total. Display your garden on a wall or fridge to show off your multiplication skills!
Multiplication Scavenger Hunt: Go on a scavenger hunt around your house or classroom to find objects that can be grouped for multiplication. For example, find sets of 3 pencils, 4 toy cars, or 5 books. Use the area method to multiply the number of groups by the number of items in each group. Draw rectangles to represent each multiplication problem and calculate the total number of items. Share your findings with a friend or family member!
Question Time: Imagine and Solve! Imagine you are planning a party and need to set up tables. Each table can seat 6 people. If you have 5 tables, how many people can you seat in total? Use the area method to solve this problem. Draw a rectangle, split it into parts, and calculate the total number of seats. Can you think of other scenarios where you might use multiplication in real life?
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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Hello parents! Sometimes when we help our kids with homework, we discover that things are being done a little differently than when we went to school. Even simple multiplication has some new methods and techniques. In this video, we’ll show you how the area method for multiplication works.
Consider the multiplication problem 42 times 6. The way I learned to solve this problem is with a technique called the algorithm method, which you may know as carrying. Starting with the ones place, I multiply 6 times 2. The answer is 12. I can’t just write down 12 in the answer; I place the 2 from the ones place here in line with the other ones place, then I carry the 1 from the tens place and write it above the 4.
Six times four is twenty-four, plus the one we carried equals twenty-five. We put that here in the answer. My answer is 252. That’s the traditional method, but some learners do have trouble with it.
These days, there’s another way for beginners to learn to multiply: the area method. First, draw a rectangle and split it into two parts. We’re multiplying by six, so we’ll put a six here on the side. Now we need to write the number 42 across the top of our rectangle in expanded notation: 40 plus 2.
Now, I’m going to find the area of each of these rectangles by multiplying length times width. First, forty times six. I know that six times zero gives us zero for the ones place, and six times four is 24 for the tens place. This part of our rectangle has an area of 240. The other one is easy: six times two gives us twelve for the area of this part.
Now all I need to do is add the areas of the two rectangles together: 240 plus 12. Two plus zero gives us two in the ones place, four plus one gives us five in the tens place, and this two goes in the hundreds place of the answer: 252. That checks out; we got the same answer we did with the algorithm method.
Now, I know some of you are wondering why teachers can’t just do it the way I learned it. Well, the area method of multiplication provides another way of looking at how multiplication works. When teaching multiplication, it’s useful to have different methods for different levels of learners. Some beginners may find the area method easier when first learning, then move on to multiplication with carrying later.
We hope this explanation was helpful to you. If your young learner needs practice with basic multiplication, check out our “What is Multiplication” and “Multiplication Wrap” videos. You’ll find links in the description of this video. Please subscribe and enable notifications so you don’t miss anything new. Thanks for watching!
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