1. Multiplication Math Minutes
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Dear Parents,
We have been learning about multiplication for the last few weeks. We have been focusing on how
to solve a multiplication problem without necessarily memorizing the fact. On the back of this note, you
can review all of the multiplication strategies we have discussed in class. Until the facts are memorized,
please continue to encourage your child to use one of these strategies to solve multiplication problems.
In addition to these strategies, we have also been working toward memorization of the following
facts: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. This week we will begin committing our math facts of 6 to memory.
Encourage your child to create a set of flashcards (With my son, I use half-sheets of index cards and a
marker) and practice, practice, practice. These websites are great resources to help your child practice
and learn their facts:
http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/mathmagician/mathsmulti.html
http://www.multiplication.com
If you have any questions, please email me: asavage@uga.edu
Happy learning,
Amber Savage

2. Multiplication Strategies
Equal Groups
4 x 5 = ?
Arrays
4 x 5 = ? *****
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Repeated Addition
5 + 5 + 5 + 5= 20 or 4 x 5 = 20
Skip Counting
5, 10, 15, 20
4 x 5 = 20, 4 groups of 5
Number Line
0 5 10 15 20
Commutative Property/Fact Family
I know that 4 x 5 (4 groups of 5) is 20, so I know that 5 x 4 = 20
Associative Property
4 x 5 x 2 = ? I know that I can group the factors in any order, choosing to use
the factor that I know, to help me solve this problem:
4 x (5 x 2) = 4 x 10 = 40 or (4 x 5) x 2 = 20 x 2 = 40
Distributive Property/ Decomposing
Numbers
6 x 8 = ? I know that 8 is equal to 4 + 4, so I can make two easier problems to
help me solve this harder fact:
(6 x 4) + ( 6 x 4) = 24 + 24 = 48….so 6 x 8 = 48
* Memorization is a multiplication strategy that helps with speed and reserving mental resources