Go Math! Grade 4, Chapter 3: Multiply 2-Digit Numbers
In this unit, your child multiplies two-digit numbers by each other, like 64 × 38, using area models, partial products, and the column method. They estimate first to see whether answers are reasonable, and solve multi-step story problems. It extends last unit's one-digit multiplying and leads into dividing by one-digit numbers.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Chapter 3?
- Solving multi-step problems with two-digit products, like the cost of tickets for two groups added together. Learn more: Multi-step story problems and leftovers
- Multiplying two-digit numbers with area models and partial products, then rounding to check, like 64 × 38 near 60 × 40. Learn more about multiplying large numbers by a one-digit number: Multiplying large numbers by a one-digit number · Learn more about multiplying two two-digit numbers
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
A class of 28 students splits into 4 equal teams for a game. Then 2 new students join one of the teams. How many students are on that team now?
- 9
- 7
- 30
How you can help
- Work out the cost of 15 movie tickets at $12 each. Have your child find 10 × 12 and 5 × 12, then add 120 and 60 to get $180.
- Draw a rectangle and label its sides 23 and 45. Ask your child to split it into four boxes by tens and ones, find each part, and add them to get 1,035.
- Estimate before multiplying at the store. If 28 boxes hold 32 snacks each, ask your child to round to 30 × 30 = 900, then find the exact answer, 896.
Where kids can get stuck
- Multiplying only the tens together and the ones together, missing two of the four parts.
- Getting each part right but adding 1,800, 480, 120, and 32 lined up by their left edges.
- Skipping the estimate, so an answer like 243 for 27 × 19 goes unnoticed, though it should be near 600.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- partial products
- The smaller products you get by multiplying each place separately, which are then added together.
- area model
- A rectangle split into parts by place value, used to show multiplication or division.
- distributive property
- Breaking a number into parts, multiplying each part, and adding: 6 × 14 = 60 + 24.
- product
- The answer to a multiplication problem.
- estimate
- A close guess, often made with rounded numbers, to check whether an answer makes sense.
- reasonable
- Making sense; a reasonable answer is close to the estimate and fits the story.
- round
- To change a number to a nearby, easier number, like 6,812 to 7,000.
Want to help your child master two-digit multiplication?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Go Math! Grade 4 Chapter 3 cover?
Go Math! Grade 4 Chapter 3 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.