Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division - Common Multiples - Presentation

In a comprehensive lesson on common multiples, part of a series on the four operations of arithmetic, students are encouraged to deepen their understanding of multiples. The lesson begins with a discussion prompt asking students to define a multiple and provide examples, specifically multiples of 8. To visualise the concept, students are instructed to shade multiples of 7 and 5 on a 100 square grid, which leads to the discovery of common multiples. Further activities challenge them to consider whether the lowest common multiple of two numbers is always their product and to identify common multiples for different pairs of numbers, such as 4 and 3 or 2 and 7, reinforcing their understanding through practical examples.

Real-world applications of common multiples are explored through engaging scenarios, such as determining the number of times two friends will play football on the same day given their individual schedules, or calculating the frequency of trains leaving from two platforms at the same time. These activities not only help students to apply mathematical concepts but also develop problem-solving strategies. Additional tasks include working with Venn diagrams to categorize multiples and reasoning exercises that require students to deduce ages and schedules based on given multiples. The lesson culminates with independent work, where students use a 100 square to find common multiples and tackle worded problems, ensuring they have a solid grasp of the topic.