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Ever wondered how to teach multi-digit multiplication of whole numbers in an engaging way to your 5th-grade students?
In this lesson plan, students will learn about multiplying multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm and their real-life applications. Through artistic, interactive guided notes, check for understanding, practice activities like a doodle & color by number activity, and a maze worksheet, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of multi-digit multiplication.
The lesson ends with a real-life example that explores how multi-digit multiplication of whole numbers is used in practical, everyday situations such as order purchases, merchandise organization. Then, they reflect on their learning and mastery of this topic through self assessments and short prompts.
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After this lesson, students will be able to use the standard algorithm to:
Multiply two-digit numbers by one-digit numbers
Multiply two-digit numbers by two-digit numbers
Multiply three-digit numbers by one-digit numbers
Multiply three-digit numbers by two-digit numbers
Before this lesson, students should be familiar with:
Basic understanding of regrouping or carrying over in addition and subtraction
Pencils
Colored pencils or markers
Multi Digit Multiplication Whole Numbers Guided Notes with Doodles
Multiply
Multi-Digit
Whole Numbers
Product
As a hook, ask students why knowing how to multiply multi-digit whole numbers is important in everyday life. Refer to the last page of the guided notes as well as the FAQs below for ideas.
Use the first page of the guided notes to introduce multiplying 2-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers. Walk through the steps involved in this multiplication process while students fill in the blanks on their guided notes (pg. 1), emphasizingƒsetting up the problem by stacking the numbers to the right. Model the first two or three examples on the page so they see how to use the steps. Students will then see how to multiple 3-digit numbers by 2-digit numbers. Model the multiplication process using examples and emphasize the significance of placing zeroes when moving to the next place value.
Use the second page of the guided notes to allow students to practice how to use the standard algorithm to multiple whole numbers. There are 3 levels of practice that increases in difficulty. Level 1 contains multiplication of 2-digit by 1-digit numbers. Level 2 contains multiplication of 2-digit by 2-digit numbers. Level 3 contains multiplication multiplication of 3-digit by 2-digit numbers.
Based on student responses, reteach concepts that students need extra help with. If your class has a wide range of proficiency levels, you can pull out students for reteaching, and have more advanced students begin work on the practice exercises.
Continue with the third page of the guided notes for a fun maze activity! Students will solve multi-digit multiplication problems to escape the maze. Walk around to answer student questions.
Then, use the fourth page of the guided notes for a fun color by number activity. Students solve math problems to unlock colors to fill in an image. Fast finishers can also be assigned this activity for extra practice. Alternatively, you can assign it as homework for the remainder of the class.
Use the last page of the guided notes, called real life applications, to bring the class back together, and introduce the concept of using multidigit multiplication in real-world scenarios. Students read about how it can be used in calculating the total cost of purchasing multiple items at a store, determining the area of a rectangular garden, or organizing merchandise in a factory. Then, they reflect on their learning and confidence about this math topic.
If you’re looking for digital practice for multiplying whole numbers, try my Pixel Art activities in Google Sheets. Every answer is automatically checked, and correct answers unlock parts of a mystery picture. It’s incredibly fun, and a powerful tool for differentiation.
Here’s 1 activity to explore:
A fun, no-prep way to practice multiplying whole numbers is Doodle Math — they’re a fresh take on color by number or color by code. It includes multiple levels of practice, perfect for a review day or sub plan.
Here are 1 activity to try:
Multi-digit whole numbers are numbers that consist of two or more digits, without any decimal or fraction parts.
To multiply multi-digit whole numbers, follow these steps:
Place the numbers so that one number is above the other, and stacked to the right.
Multiply each digit of the bottom number by each digit of the top number, starting from the rightmost place value.
Carry over, if needed.
Repeat with the next digit on the bottom. Place zeroes in the appropriate spot, if needed.
Add the partial products together to get the final product.
Learning to multiply multi-digit whole numbers is important because:
It helps in solving real-world problems involving large quantities.
It builds a strong foundation for more advanced math concepts.
It improves mental math skills and overall math proficiency.
Sure! Here are a few examples:
32 x 12
456 x 7
1234 x 56
Some helpful strategies for solving multi-digit multiplication problems include:
Partial products method
Lattice method
Standard algorithm method
*In this guided notes, only the standard algorithm is used.
You can check your answers by:
Estimating the product and comparing it to the actual answer.
Using a calculator to verify the multiplication.
Reversing the operation (division) to see if you get back the original numbers.
Yes, multiplying multi-digit whole numbers is used in various real-life situations such as:
Calculating total costs when buying multiple items
Determining area and perimeter of objects
Solving problems related to time, distance, and speed
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