Multiply simple numbers

In this activity, we will be solving multiplication problems using pictures to help. 

 

Look at the diagram. It shows a multiplication problem. 

 

There are two rows with five people in each row. 

 

 

Also, there are five columns with two people in each column.

 

We could write 2 different multiplication calculations for this picture. 

2 × 5 = 10

5 × 2 = 10

 

It doesn't matter which way round we write the numbers, as multiplication is commutative. 

This means it can be done in any order. 

 

Let's try an example question together.

 

Example

There are 3 rows.

There are 2 seats in each row.

 

 

How many seats are there?

 

Answer

We could write 2 different multiplication calculations for this picture. 

2 × 3 = 6

3 × 2 = 6

 

Now it's your turn to complete some questions like this.