Should I Multiply or Divide?

Front

What is multiplication?

Back

Multiplication is a mathematical operation where a number is added to itself a certain number of times. For example, 3 multiplied by 4 (3 x 4) means adding 3 four times: 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12.

Front

What is division?

Back

Division is a mathematical operation where a number is split into equal parts. For example, 12 divided by 4 (12 ÷ 4) means splitting 12 into 4 equal parts, which equals 3.

Front

When do you multiply?

Back

You multiply when you know the number of groups and how many items are in each group. For example, if there are 5 stacks of quarters with 4 quarters in each stack, you multiply: 5 x 4 = 20 quarters.

Front

When do you divide?

Back

You divide when you know the total number of items and how many items each person or group will get. For example, if there are 20 pencils and 4 students, you divide: 20 ÷ 4 = 5 pencils per student.

Front

How do you find the total number of items in equal groups?

Back

To find the total number of items in equal groups, multiply the number of groups by the number of items in each group.

Front

How do you find out how many items each person gets?

Back

To find out how many items each person gets, divide the total number of items by the number of people.

Front

Example of multiplication in real life:

Back

If you have 3 pizzas and each pizza has 8 slices, to find the total number of slices, you multiply: 3 x 8 = 24 slices.

Front

Example of division in real life:

Back

If you have 24 cookies and want to share them equally among 6 friends, you divide: 24 ÷ 6 = 4 cookies per friend.

Front

What is a multiplication sentence?

Back

A multiplication sentence is a mathematical statement that shows the multiplication of two numbers. For example, 4 x 5 = 20.

Front

What is a division sentence?

Back

A division sentence is a mathematical statement that shows the division of one number by another. For example, 20 ÷ 4 = 5.