Explain what each factor represents in a multiplication equation
I can explain what each factor represents in a multiplication equation.
Explain what each factor represents in a multiplication equation
I can explain what each factor represents in a multiplication equation.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Factors can either represent the number of groups or the size of each group.
- Factors are commutative so they can swap positions within a multiplication equation and the product remains the same.
- When looking at multiplication expressions, the factors can be interpreted in two different ways to give two images.
Keywords
Factor - A factor is a whole number which divides exactly into another whole number.
Product - A product is the result of two or more numbers being multiplied.
Commutative - In addition and multiplication, numbers may be added or multiplied together in any order. This is called commutativity.
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle to identify whether a factor is representing the group size or the number of groups, particularly when their position in the equation is swapped to show commutativity.
Give children concrete examples to look at, such as jars of marbles, boxes of erasers or pots of pencils and write corresponding multiplication equations, identifying the factor that represents group size and the one that represents number of groups.
To help you plan your year 4 maths lesson on: Explain what each factor represents in a multiplication equation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 maths lesson on: Explain what each factor represents in a multiplication equation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Understand and represent multiplicative structures unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
number of groups
group size
Exit quiz
6 Questions
2 × 3
4 × 3
10 × 2
15 × 13