Into Math Grade 4, Unit 2: Multiplication Concepts and Strategies
In this unit, your child learns to read multiplication as a comparison, so 35 = 5 × 7 means 35 is 5 times as many as 7, and solves "times as many" word problems. They also multiply larger numbers by breaking them apart by place value. It builds on the place-value work from the start of the year and leads into division strategies.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 2?
- Reading a multiplication equation as a comparison: 24 = 4 × 6 says 24 is 4 times as many as 6, and 6 times as many as 4. Learn more: Reading multiplication as "times as many"
- Solving "times as many" word problems with drawings and equations, and deciding whether the problem calls for multiplying or dividing. Learn more: Story problems about "times as many"
- Multiplying multidigit numbers by one-digit numbers, and two-digit by two-digit numbers, using place value, area models, and partial products. 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 man is 6 feet tall. A giraffe is 3 times as tall as the man. Which equation finds g, the giraffe's height in feet?
- g = 3 × 6
- 6 = 3 × g
- g = 3 + 6
How you can help
- Make "times as many" comparisons at the table: if you have 3 strawberries and your child has 4 times as many, ask how many they have and for the equation.
- Turn prices into comparisons at the store: if a notebook costs $2 and a backpack costs 8 times as much, ask the backpack's price, then work backward from it.
- Multiply in parts out loud: for 6 × 47, ask your child to find 6 × 40 and 6 × 7 and add them, then check with an estimate like 6 × 50.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding instead of multiplying, so 3 times as much as $6 comes out as $9 instead of $18.
- Multiplying every time they see "times," even when the problem asks what number 18 is 3 times as many as.
- Treating tens as ones inside a partial product, writing 6 × 40 as 24 instead of 240.
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
- times as many
- A way to compare by multiplying: 12 is 3 times as many as 4.
- comparison
- A statement about how two amounts relate, such as one being 5 times as many as another.
- equation
- A number sentence with an equal sign showing two amounts are the same, like 35 = 5 × 7.
- unknown
- The number a problem asks you to find, often shown with a letter or a box.
- factor
- A number multiplied by another number to make a product, like 4 and 6 in 4 × 6 = 24.
- product
- The answer to a multiplication problem.
- partial products
- The smaller answers found by multiplying each part of a number, which are then added together.
- area model
- A rectangle split into parts by place value, used to multiply or divide.
Want to help your child master multiplication strategies?
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.
Join the club
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 Into Math Grade 4 Unit 2 cover?
Into Math Grade 4 Unit 2 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.