Lesson 4
Solve Multiplicative Comparison Problems with Large Numbers
Lesson Purpose
Lesson Narrative
In previous lessons, students interpreted discrete diagrams in which each section represented one item and used them to solve multiplicative comparison problems. They also represented multiplicative comparison situations in which different parts of the problem were unknown.
In this lesson, students extend their understanding of multiplicative comparison, including ways to represent it, to include comparisons with larger amounts and multipliers.
In the warm-up, students notice that the discrete diagrams used in previous lessons become inefficient with larger numbers. Later, they interpret tape diagrams in which each section is labeled with a number to represent a quantity, rather than to represent one object. Students use these diagrams to determine the amounts being compared and the factor that relates the amounts.
- Action and Expression
- MLR8
Learning Goals
Teacher Facing
- Represent and solve multiplicative comparison problems with larger numbers.
Student Facing
- Let’s represent and solve multiplicative comparison problems with larger numbers.
Required Preparation
Lesson Timeline
Warm-up | 10 min |
Activity 1 | 15 min |
Activity 2 | 20 min |
Lesson Synthesis | 10 min |
Cool-down | 5 min |
Teacher Reflection Questions
Suggested Centers
- How Close? (1–5), Stage 6: Multiply to 3,000 (Addressing)
- Five in a Row: Multiplication (3–5), Stage 2: Factors 1–9 (Supporting)