3-Digit Multiplication
Fourth Grade Math 55 minutes
by Sarah Sumnicht May 4, 2017
Teach your students to multiply a 3-digit factor by a 1-digit factor using base ten models and the standard
algorithm.
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to solve multiplication problems with a three-digit factor.
Materials and Preparation Key Terms
Class set of the 3-Digit by 1-Digit Multiplication 3-digit numbers
worksheet
Base ten blocks for example problem
One piece of scratch paper per student
Optional: Projector to display video
Lesson
Introduction (2 minutes)
Explain, "Today we are going learn how to multiply with 3-digit numbers (numbers with a digit in the
hundreds place and a value between 100 and 999)."
Review the value of base ten blocks up to 100s. Hold up a one unit block, ten unit block, and 100 unit block.
Explicit Instruction/Teacher Modeling (10 minutes)
Write a problem on the board, like 4 x 213.
Draw and display four circles, and using base ten blocks, build a model illustrating four equal groups of 213.
Remind students that multiplication can be understood as equal groups or repeated addition, no matter the
size of the factors.
Draw a model of the example you built, demonstrating how to draw hundreds, tens, and ones (see example
in resources).
Write a repeated addition sentence to accompany the model (i.e. 213 + 213 + 213 = 852).
Guided Practice/Interactive Modeling (15 minutes)
Hand out the 3-Digit by 1-Digit Multiplication worksheet.
With the class, draw a model for problem one. Students may need to use scratch paper to draw models.
Have students work with a partner to draw a model for problem two.
Instruct students to draw a model for problem three independently, then go over the problem together.
Review the algorithm (multiply the single-digit factor by each place value of the larger factor). Model an
example, like 7 x 649.
Explain that models help us understand multiplication, but the algorithm can be a more efficient way of
finding the product.
Get more lesson plans at [Link]/lesson-plans/
Have students use the algorithm to solve problem four on the worksheet with a partner.
Independent Working Time (15 minutes)
Instruct students to solve the remaining problems on the worksheet using the algorithm.
Circulate and offer support as needed.
Extend
Differentiation
Support:
Provide additional examples before assigning independent work.
For independent work, assign problems with smaller three-digit factors in place of the worksheet.
Allow students to use a model to solve if needed.
Enrichment:
Assign challenge problems with two-step word problems (see resources).
Related Books and/or Media
RESOURCE:
Base Ten Multiplication Model: Example
ENRICHMENT:
Multiplication Word Problems
VIDEO:
3-Digit Multiplication
Review
Assessment (5 minutes)
Hand out a small piece of scratch paper to each student.
Write a multiplication problem on the board (i.e. 437 x 3).
Have students solve using the method of their choice.
Collect student work as an exit ticket and check for understanding.
Review and Closing (8 minutes)
Show video to review the algorithm if needed (see resources).
Ask, "Can we use what we learned today to multiply larger factors?"
Write a 4-digit by 1-digit problem on the board and invite a volunteer to try solving it using the algorithm.
Ask, "Could we use this algorithm to multiply 5-digit numbers? six-digit numbers?"
Discuss as a class (i.e. we can use the algorithm to multiply any size factor; the single-digit factor has to be
multiplied by each place value in the larger factor no matter how large a number it is).
Get more lesson plans at [Link]/lesson-plans/
