Lesson 1

The purpose of this lesson is for students to recognize and explain place value patterns as they find products using the standard algorithm they learned in Unit 4.

In previous units, students learned the standard algorithm for multiplying whole numbers. In this lesson, students compare and contrast different products that can be made with the same set of 3 or 4 digits. They look for patterns in the arrangement of the digits and explain those patterns in terms of place value. For example, students might notice that the product of 2 two-digit numbers results in a greater product than that of a three-digit number and 1 one-digit number. If students need additional support with the concepts in this lesson, refer back to Unit 4, Section A in the curriculum materials.

What did you learn about students' understanding of the standard algorithm for multiplication during the lesson today? How can you use what you learned to support students in tomorrow's lesson?