Lesson 13
Multiplication Equations
Lesson Purpose
The purpose of this lesson is for students to relate multiplication equations to situations and diagrams and write equations.
Lesson Narrative
In previous lessons students represented situations and diagrams with multiplication expressions. In this lesson, students learn the meaning of factor and product. Students do not have to use the vocabulary in this lesson as they will continue to have opportunities to do so throughout the year. In future lessons, students will represent situations and diagrams with equations that use a symbol for the unknown number, which may be either a factor or the product.
Consider continuing to use the convention of groups as the first factor and the size of the groups as the second factor when writing equations. However, it is not necessary for students to write the factors in this order. It is important that students connect their equations to the corresponding situations and representations (MP2). They should be able to correctly explain what each factor represents in their equations. If students ask questions about the idea of commutativity, consider recording the questions publicly for future investigation.
- Engagement
- MLR7
Learning Goals
Teacher Facing
- Relate equations to multiplication situations and diagrams.
- Write equations for multiplication situations and diagrams using a symbol for the unknown number.
Student Facing
- Let’s learn about multiplication equations.
Required Preparation
Lesson Timeline
| Warm-up | 10 min |
| Activity 1 | 20 min |
| Activity 2 | 15 min |
| Lesson Synthesis | 10 min |
| Cool-down | 5 min |
Teacher Reflection Questions
How were the terms factor and product helpful as students began working with multiplication equations?
Suggested Centers
- Capture Squares (1–3), Stage 5: Multiply with 2, 5, and 10 (Addressing)
- Five in a Row: Addition and Subtraction (1–2), Stage 7: Add within 1,000 without Composing (Supporting)