Understand "times as many"
Your child already knows multiplication as equal groups, and this skill gives it a second meaning: comparing. Knowing that "5 times as many as 7" is 35 while "5 more than 7" is 12 helps them read story problems correctly and choose the right operation. Next year the idea grows into scaling, such as making a recipe three times as big, and later it supports ratios, percents, and reading the scale on a map.
In this video, your child will learn to understand times as many.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
35 is 5 times as many as 7. Which equation shows this?
Example 2
35 is also 7 times as many as 5. Which equation shows this?
Your child's turn
Ana has 6 times as many shells as Jen. Jen has 8. Which equation shows how many shells Ana has?
The three key steps
- 1Copies of the smaller, not more
- 2Write a times equation.
- 3It reads two ways.
Mistakes to listen for
- Hearing "5 times as many as 7" and answering 12, because they added 5 and 7 instead of multiplying.
- Reading 35 = 5 × 7 only as "5 groups of 7," without turning it into a sentence that compares two amounts.
- Getting the comparison backwards, as in "7 is 5 times as many as 35," with the smaller number in the larger one's place.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to reading multiplication as "times as many" →
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More 4th grade Problem Solving, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice reading multiplication as "times as many", and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to reading multiplication as "times as many" has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice reading multiplication as "times as many"
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on reading multiplication as "times as many" and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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