Math Expressions Grade 4, Unit 2: Multiplication with Whole Numbers
In this unit, your child multiplies multidigit whole numbers, using area models and partial products to see how place value makes it work. They also learn "times as many" comparisons, such as 4 times as many as 9, and solve word problems with them. It builds on the place-value work before it and leads into division with whole numbers.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 2?
- Drawing area models and writing partial products to multiply numbers like 7 × 2,345 and 46 × 28. 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
- Writing comparison sentences for equations, so 36 = 4 × 9 means 36 is 4 times as many as 9 and 9 times as many as 4. Learn more: Reading multiplication as "times as many"
- Using comparison bars and equations to solve "times as many" problems, and telling them apart from "more than" problems. Learn more: Story problems about "times as many"
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
Beads come in bags of 125. Jamal buys 6 bags to make bracelets. How many beads does he get?
- 620
- 750
- 625
How you can help
- Compare ages: if your child is 9 and a grandparent is 7 times as old, ask how old the grandparent is and which equation shows it.
- Sketch an area model on scrap paper for a real total, such as 23 rows of 14 seats, splitting it into 20 × 14 and 3 × 14.
- Ask "more than" and "times as many" questions side by side: which is bigger, 3 more than 6 or 3 times as many as 6? Talk about why.
Where kids can get stuck
- Multiplying only the matching places, so 46 × 28 becomes 40 × 20 plus 6 × 8 and misses two parts.
- Hearing "5 times as many as 7" and answering 12, adding the numbers instead of multiplying them.
- Drawing the comparison bars backwards, with the larger amount as one bar, which points to the wrong operation.
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
- area model
- A rectangle split into parts by place value, used to multiply or divide.
- partial products
- The smaller answers found by multiplying each part of a number, which are then added together.
- 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.
- 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.
Want to help your child master multiplying whole numbers?
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 Math Expressions Grade 4 Unit 2 cover?
Math Expressions 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.