Chapter 4: Multiplication

Multiplication

Standards for Mathematical Content in the CCSSM  

In the domain of Operations and Algebraic Thinking (K–Grade 5) students learn what kinds  of problems multiplication solves, and they learn to reason about multiplication with small  numbers. In the domain of Number and Operations in Base Ten (K–Grade 5), students  learn to decompose numbers according to place value and to apply properties of multiplication to make sense of methods for multiplying multidigit numbers.  

Standards for Mathematical Practice in the CCSSM  

Opportunities to engage in all eight of the Standards for Mathematical Practice described  in the CCSSM occur throughout the study of multiplication, although the following standards may be especially appropriate for emphasis: 

• 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively. Students engage in this practice when  they connect the definition of multiplication with contexts and math drawings to determine whether a problem can be solved by multiplication. 

 • 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. Students  engage in this practice when they make sense of methods of multiplication and  when they explain their methods with the aid of math drawings.  

• 7 Look for and make use of structure. Students engage in this practice when they  see and apply the structure of the distributive property to multiply—for example, by  calculating 6 * 8 as 5 * 8 plus 1 * 8, or by calculating 3 * 42 as 3 * 40 plus 3 * 2.  

(From Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice. Published by Common  Core Standards Initiative.) 

Chapter Summary