Max Maths, Year 5, Learn together, Using factors to multiply

In the Max Maths curriculum for Year 5, students explore the concept of using factors to simplify multiplication tasks. Factors are pairs of numbers that, when multiplied together, result in a given number. This method is particularly useful when dealing with larger numbers, as it can make the multiplication process more manageable. For example, to multiply 4 by 8, students first identify the factors of each number. The number 4 can be broken down into 2 times 2, and the number 8 into 2 times 4. By rearranging and grouping these factors, multiplication becomes simpler: 2 times 2 times 2 times 4 equals 4 times 8, which in turn equals 32.

The lesson continues with another example to reinforce the concept. Students are asked to multiply 12 by 6. They start by breaking down the number 12 into the factors 3 times 4, and the number 6 into 3 times 2. By multiplying these factors together (3 times 4 times 3 times 2), they find that 12 times 6 equals 72. The process illustrates that factors can be further split to simplify multiplication, demonstrating that 3 times 4 equals 12, but so does 3 times 2 times 2. This technique not only aids in understanding the structure of numbers but also enhances mental arithmetic skills.