Complete a Number Story Using Multiplication and Division

In this activity, we will be using pictures to complete a number story and calculation. 

 

Look at the pictures below.

 

 

We can see that on the left, there are 4 cats. 

On the right are the same 4 cats, but this time they each have 3 kittens. 

 

There are A cats, each one has B kittens. 

Altogether there are C kittens. 

A = 4

B = 3

C = 12

 

To find the total number of kittens, we could use these numbers to write a calculation.

4 × 3 = 12

There are 12 kittens in total.

 

Let's try an example question together.

 

Example

2 children bake 8 cookies. 

 

 

Write a calculation to show how many cookies each child gets. 

 

Answer

First, let's think about the numbers involved in this story.

 

There are A children, they bake B cookies. 

C is the share they each get. 

A = 2

B = 8

C = 4

 

So, there are 8 cookies to be shared between 2 children. 

8 ÷ 2 = 4

Each child gets 4 cookies. 

 

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