Hello! Welcome to the blog for 4th Grade Purple. On this blog you will find links to various math and ELA sites, our kidblogs where student writing can be viewed and commented on, and information about our class. We hope you enjoy having an eye into our world.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Break Apart Multiplication

Our new math unit, Chapter 3, focuses on multiplication and division.  To prepare us for the algorithm we'll be facing shortly (2x1 and 3x1 multiplication), students are learning a strategy to apply to solving these types of equations.

This strategy is called the Break Apart Method of multiplication.  It is where we break a number apart using expanded form, multiply each part individually, then add up the products to find the overall total.  While a little more lengthy than the traditional algorithm, which we'll be facing next, it helps build up an understanding of how the algorithm works.  Understanding the meaning behind what we do is of the utmost importance so students can develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.

Here is a video explaining the method:


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