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Singapore Primary Maths

Primary 2 maths · Operations · About 8 minutes

Connect multiplication with division

Predict, build a model, explain what changed, then use the relationship in a new situation.

Start the interactive lesson →Open practice activity

What you will learn

Models used: number sentences, stories, diagrams.

Before you start

Connect the action to the maths

Three plates each hold four buns. There are twelve buns altogether. How can the plates help us connect multiplication and division?

  1. There are 3 groups, with 4 objects in each group. Count a group before counting them all.

    Count the four buns on each of our three plates. Equal groups let us add four three times.

    4 + 4 + 4 = 12

    4 + 4 + 4 = 3 × 4 = 12

  2. There are 3 groups, with 4 objects in each group. Count a group before counting them all.

    Multiplication is a shorter way to record those equal groups: three groups of four.

    3 × 4 = 12

    4 + 4 + 4 = 3 × 4 = 12

  3. There are 3 groups, with 4 objects in each group. Count a group before counting them all.

    Start with all twelve buns. Share them equally among three plates. There are four on each plate.

    12 ÷ 3 = 4

    4 + 4 + 4 = 3 × 4 = 12

  4. There are 3 groups, with 4 objects in each group. Count a group before counting them all.

    Ask a different question about the same twelve: if each plate must hold four, how many plates do we need? Three.

    12 ÷ 4 = 3

    4 + 4 + 4 = 3 × 4 = 12

Worked example: Keep twelve, change the arrangement

Twelve buns are shared equally among four plates. How many buns go on each plate?

3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 4 × 3 = 12

  1. There are 4 groups, with 3 objects in each group. Count a group before counting them all.

    Before, we had three plates of four. Now the same twelve buns are arranged on four plates.

    3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 4 × 3 = 12

  2. There are 4 groups, with 3 objects in each group. Count a group before counting them all.

    We know the total and the number of plates. Count the buns on one plate.

    Twelve buns are shared equally among four plates. How many buns go on each plate?

    3

  3. There are 4 groups, with 3 objects in each group. Count a group before counting them all.

    Four equal shares of three rebuild twelve. That checks the division.

    12 ÷ 4 = 3; 4 × 3 = 12

    3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 4 × 3 = 12

Common mistakes to discuss

Check your understanding

Explain your reasoning to an adult, then try a fresh question in the interactive lesson. A result from one attempt is not proof of lasting mastery.

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