CCSS.Math.Content.4.OA.A.1
The standard
Interpret a multiplication equation as a comparison, e.g., interpret 35 = 5 × 7 as a statement that 35 is 5 times as many as 7 and 7 times as many as 5. Represent verbal statements of multiplicative comparisons as multiplication equations.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Operations and Algebraic Thinking
What this standard means
Students need to see multiplication as a comparison, not only as equal groups. They should explain that 24 = 6 × 4 can mean 24 is 6 times as many as 4, and also 4 times as many as 6. They also need to turn words into equations, like “Maya has 3 times as many stickers as Leo.”
Mastery looks like matching a story, equation, and comparison sentence correctly. Students often mix up “times as many” with addition, or put the larger number in the wrong place without thinking about the relationship.
Ways to teach it
- Use counters to build one set, then build a second set that is 4 times as many, and write the matching equation.
- Ask students to write two comparison sentences for 5 × 8 = 40, using “times as many” both ways.
- Show three cards, a story, an equation, and a model, and have students give a thumbs-up only if all three match.
- Compare prices from a grocery ad, such as one item costing 3 times as much as another, then write the equation.
Plan a lesson for CCSS.Math.Content.4.OA.A.1
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Related standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.A.3
Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities, e.g., by using drawi...
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.A.1
Interpret products of whole numbers, e.g., interpret 5 × 7 as the total number of objects in 5 groups of 7 objects each.
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.B
Understand properties of multiplication and the relationship between multiplication and division.
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.OA.A.2
Multiply or divide to solve word problems involving multiplicative comparison, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to rep...