Introduction

This website is structured around the Stage 3 syllabus, but could be utilised for Stage 4 students who need some extra learning or revision regarding Multiplication. The benefits of this resource include the multiple means of representation and assessment, for example combining both videos and written explanation, as well as diagrams, in order to maximise learning opportunities.

Rationale

Multiplication is essential to learning because it fosters an emphasis on quick recollection in combination with deeper thought that can be relevant to both specific higher order mathematic problems as well as real-world situations. Learning multiplication is an important foundation for learning different aspects of mathematics such as division, algebra, long multiplication, and even fractions. For students that don't have a solid grasp of the times tables and multiplication techniques, these other areas may be hard to understand.

Specific factors of importance are listed below (extracted from the Syllabus Background Information section):

• Students could extend their recall of number facts beyond the multiplication facts to 10 × 10 by memorising multiples of numbers such as 11, 12, 15, 20 and 25. They could also utilise mental strategies, eg '14 × 6 is 10 sixes plus 4 sixes'.
• In Stage 3, mental strategies need to be continually reinforced.
• Students may find recording (writing out) informal mental strategies to be more efficient than using formal written algorithms, particularly in the case of multiplication.
• An inverse operation is an operation that reverses the effect of the original operation. Addition and subtraction are inverse operations; multiplication and division are inverse operations.
• The area model for two-digit by two-digit multiplication in Stage 3 is a precursor to the use of the area model for the expansion of binomial products in Stage 5.

Syllabus Outcomes:

• Describes and represents mathematical situations in a variety of ways using mathematical terminology and some conventions MA3-1WM
• Selects and applies appropriate problem-solving strategies, including the use of digital technologies, in undertaking investigations MA3-2WM
• Gives a valid reason for supporting one possible solution over another MA3-3WM
• Selects and applies appropriate strategies for multiplication and division, and applies the order of operations to calculations involving more than one operation MA3-6NA