M2.3.1 For the adult
Equal groups
There are 4 plates with 3 beans on each plate. How many beans is that?
What this chapter teaches
4 × 3 means 4 groups of 3, which is 12. It does not mean 4 + 3. An array sets the groups out in rows, and 4 × 3 and 3 × 4 give the same total.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- How would you show 4 × 3 with beans on a table?
- Why is 4 × 3 not the same as 4 + 3?
- What do you notice when you turn an array of 4 rows of 3 on its side?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Write 4 groups of 3 as 4 × 3
- Show 4 × 3 as rows and columns of dots
What they copy into their notebook
4 × 3 means 4 groups of 3. Add them: 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12. An array sets the groups out in rows. 4 × 3 and 3 × 4 are both 12.