Learn with Amar
Teaching video
A teaching recording for this chapter has not been published yet. Start with the worked example below and explore the related animations where available.
Grade 3 chapters and video availability01 · Read and understand
What you will learn
- Use distribution to build an unfamiliar multiplication fact.
- Explain your method and check what the result means in the stated situation.
Before you start
Place value through hundreds, addition and subtraction, equal groups, and equal shares.
Keep paper nearby. Read the question once for the context, then again to identify what is known and what you need to find.
Start with a question
Find 7 × 8 by splitting seven groups into five groups and two groups.
Why this math matters
Divide a large seating array into easier rectangles to count all seats. The worked example shows how to connect the situation, its mathematical representation, and a check on the result.
Set up the model
A useful answer starts with clear assumptions:
- Use the units, grouping rules, and reference whole stated in the question.
- Treat the supplied counts and measurements as exact within the classroom model, unless an estimate or a random outcome is requested.
02 · Work through the example
Follow the reasoning, one step at a time.
Try to predict the next step before reading it. After each calculation, explain why the operation makes sense and how it helps answer the original question.
Work through it with Amar
See this example unfold.
The complete worked example, one idea at a time.
Break a product into useful parts
PausedQuestion: Start with the question. Paused.
Question
Start with the question
Find 7 × 8 by splitting seven groups into five groups and two groups.
Before you calculate
Read what is known and what you need to find. Make a prediction before moving to the first calculation.
Starts paused. Play advances through the full text at a reading pace; pause whenever you need more time. Previous, Next, and the phase buttons let you set your own pace. Playback pauses when this walkthrough leaves the screen or you switch tabs.
Your device’s reduced-motion setting keeps each phase still. Manual controls remain available. The full written solution stays below.
Represent the situation
7 × 8 = (5 + 2) × 8
Split the number of rows while keeping eight in each.
Connect the parts
5 × 8 = 40; 2 × 8 = 16
Calculate the two smaller arrays.
State and check the result
40 + 16 = 56
The two nonoverlapping parts form the whole array.
The result
40 + 16 = 56
The two nonoverlapping parts form the whole array.
Common mistakes to catch
- Distribute the factor to every split part.
- The split group counts must total the original factor.
03 · Practice independently
Try it before revealing the answer.
Use paper or a calculator as needed. Write your units and reasoning, then open the hint or explanation to check your approach.
Practice 1
Use 5 × 6 to find 6 × 6.
Show a hint
Add one more group of six.
Reveal answer and explanation
36
30 + 6 = 36.
Practice 2
Why is 9 × 4 not 5 × 4 + 4?
Show a hint
The remaining four groups each need four.
Reveal answer and explanation
The missing part should be 4 × 4
Five groups plus four groups makes nine, so 20 + 16 = 36.
Take the idea with you
Divide a large seating array into easier rectangles to count all seats.
04 · Reflect and continue
Can you explain it in your own words?
Before moving on, explain the main idea without looking at the worked example. Try both practice questions, check your reasoning, and name one mistake you now know how to avoid. Return to a step if you still need support.
Up next: Understand multiplication by zero and one
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