How to multiply by one digit numbers word problems
Using straightforward strategies in this resource, your kids will learn how to multiply by one-digit number word problems. We are very excited to inform you that we have a well-organized and presentable easy-to-teach step-by-step guide on how to do it.
5th graders always come across complex word problems involving multiplication. For this reason, these easy steps below will guide kids on how to quickly solve all challenging word problems and multiply by one-digit numbers.
However, we are simply trying to guide your kids on reading, understanding, planning, and representing word problems in written form. Once this is done, they can transform the problem's representation into a solvable mathematical equation and then solve it accurately to get the perfect answer.
Steps to solve multiplication by one digit numbers word problems
As mentioned above, these steps to solve multiplication by one-digit number word problems are very easy. By teaching great young minds in grade 5 this step-by-step process of solving word problems, we assure you that they will no longer struggle with complicated word problems each time they encounter them.
We have explicitly modeled and designed these steps for kids to understand the process efficiently and interpret the problem statement into a solvable mathematical equation.
With this in mind, we have attached real-life examples to illustrate these steps' accuracy.
Step 1: IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM
To identify the problem, you must read the word problem very carefully to know exactly what the problem wants you to solve.
Also, identify important numbers and keywords in the word problem. For instance, If you come across one of the following keywords in a word problem: - times, multiplied by, product, product of, factor, of, multiply, times, multiple, double, triple, groups, by, twice, area, equal groups, every, in all, total, increased by, as much, each, lots of, groups of, per, etc., then it implies that you have to perform a Multiplication Operation.
Note: One key Element for learners to understand is that they should not always rely on keywords alone. That is to say; the same keyword can have different meanings in different word problems.
- For this reason, we reiterate on the importance of reading the question very carefully to understand the situation that the word problem is describing, then figure out exactly which operation to use
Step 2: STRATEGIZE OR GATHER RELEVANT INFORMATION
How are you going to tackle the problem?
- As mentioned in step 1 above, from the keyword(s) in the word problem, you can determine if you need to perform a Multiplication Operation.
- It would be best if you do not always depend on keywords alone. Instead, try to understand the situation that the problem is describing.
- After knowing the operation you will perform, construct short sentences representing the given word problem.
Step 3: SET UP AN EQUATION
Here, we need to write down a numerical equation representing the information in the word problem.
Step 4: PROVIDE A SOLUTION A SOLUTION
From step 3 above, multiply the numbers using regrouping or other multiplication methods like long multiplication, grid multiplication, or lattice to determine the result. Furthermore, always add the unit to measurement to your final result, if any.
Step 5: CHECK YOUR WORK
Finally, check if your answer makes sense. For instance, estimate the answer and see if it is close to what you expected. However, if the answer is not what you expected, go back to step one and start all over again.
Examples on how to multiply by one digit numbers word problems
Example one
Step 1: Here, the important numbers are 589 and 9. The most important keyword(s) found in the word problem is "per."
Step 2: Now, how are you going to tackle the problem? The keyword(s) found in the word problem calls for you to perform a multiplication operation.
Once you know the operation you will perform, form short sentences representing the given word problem.
- Distance a plane can travel per hour = 589 miles
- Number of hours given = 9 hours
- Therefore, the distance the plane can travel in 9 hours = the distance per hour × the number of hours given
Step 3: Now, write down a numerical equation representing the bolded statement in step 2 above to solve this word problem:
→ 589 × 9 = ?
Step 4: From step 3 above, multiply the numbers using regrouping or any other multiplication methods like long multiplication, grid multiplication, and lattice to determine the result. Always recall the unit of measurement, if any.
Using the long multiplication method, we have
So, the plane can travel 5,301 miles in 9 hours.
Step 5:Finally, check if your answer makes sense. For instance, estimate the answer and see if it is close to what you expected. However, if the answer is not what you expected, go back to step one and start all over again.
Example two
Step 1:After reading the problem very well, you see that the important numbers are 569 and 8. Also, the most important keyword(s) found in the word problem is "times."
Step 2: Now, how are you going to tackle the problem? From the situation that the problem is describing and the keyword found in the word problem calls for you to perform a multiplication operation.
Next, after knowing the operation you are going to perform, form short sentences to represent the given word problem.
- Number of flies the frog princess caught yesterday = 569
- Number of flies the frog princess caught today compared to yesterday = 8 times as many flies as yesterday.
- Therefore, the number of flies she caught today = number of flies the frog princess caught yesterday × number of flies the frog princess caught today compared to yesterday
Step 3:Now, write down a numerical equation to represent the bolded statement in step 2 above to solve this word problem:
→ 569 × 8 = ?
Step 4:From step 3 above, multiply the numbers using regrouping or other methods like long multiplication, grid multiplication, and lattice to determine the result. Remember to include the unit of measurement in the final result, if any.
Using the long multiplication method, we have
So, she caught 4,552 flies in all.
Step 5: Finally, check if your answer makes sense. For instance, estimate the answer and see if it is close to what you expected. However, if the answer is not what you expected, go back to step one and start all over again.
