4th Grade Multiplying Multi-Digit Numbers Lesson (Free PDF)
This multiply lesson for 4th Grade covers multiplying multi-digit numbers (Common Core 4.NBT.B.5), with a free PDF to print.
To multiply multi-digit numbers, break a factor into place-value parts, multiply each part, and add the partial products. An area model draws this as a rectangle: 36 × 24 is 600 + 120 + 120 + 24 = 864. The distributive property allows the split. For multiples of 10, multiply the basic facts and attach the zeros.
Grade 4 · Common Core State Standards: 4.NBT.B.5
Key facts in this multiply lesson
- Partial products are the answers to each smaller multiplication; add them for the final product.
- Distributive property: 6 × 47 = 6 × 40 + 6 × 7.
- A 2-digit by 2-digit problem has four partial products in an area model.
- For multiples of 10, multiply the basic facts and attach all the zeros: 30 × 40 = 1,200.
- Estimate first by rounding to check that the product makes sense.
What is a partial product?
To multiply big numbers, break one number into place-value parts. Multiply each part, then add. Each answer you get along the way is a partial product.
The rectangle is \(6\) units tall and \(47\) units wide. The two parts have areas 240 and 42, and they add to \(282\).
How do you multiply two 2-digit numbers?
Split both numbers. A 2-digit by 2-digit problem makes four partial products.
- Split each factor into tens and ones: \(36 = 30 + 6\) and \(24 = 20 + 4\).
- Multiply every part by every other part: \(30 \times 20 = 600\), \(6 \times 20 = 120\), \(30 \times 4 = 120\), \(6 \times 4 = 24\).
- Add the four partial products: \(600 + 120 + 120 + 24 = 864\).
How do you multiply a 4-digit number by a 1-digit number?
Use the same idea. Split the big number by place value, multiply each part by the 1-digit number, then add.
How can you multiply multiples of 10 in your head?
Think of \(30 \times 40\) as 3 tens times 4 tens. The basic fact \(3 \times 4 = 12\) gives 12 hundreds, which is \(1,200\). Count the zeros in both factors and attach them all.
Which properties make multiplying easier?
- Commutative: \(7 \times 12 = 12 \times 7\).
- Associative: \(4 \times 17 \times 25 = (4 \times 25) \times 17 = 100 \times 17 = 1{,}700\).
Look for pairs that make friendly numbers, such as \(4 \times 25\) or \(5 \times 20\).
Multiply lesson: questions and answers
What is an area model for multiplication?
It is a rectangle cut into parts by place value. Each part shows one partial product, and the sum of the parts is the answer. For 47 × 6, the parts are 240 and 42, so the product is 282.
What are partial products?
Partial products are the products of each part of one factor with each part of the other. Add all of them to get the final product.
How do you multiply 30 × 40 in your head?
Multiply the basic fact 3 × 4 = 12, then attach the two zeros from the factors. The product is 1,200.
How many partial products does 36 × 24 have?
It has four: 30 × 20, 6 × 20, 30 × 4, and 6 × 4. They equal 600, 120, 120, and 24, and they add to 864.
How can I check a multiplication answer?
Estimate by rounding each factor. For 48 × 31, think 50 × 30 = 1,500. The exact product, 1,488, is close, so it makes sense.
How to use this multiply lesson
Read the definitions first, then follow the worked method line by line and redo the example on paper without looking. When every step makes sense, move on to the worksheet, then check yourself with the quiz.
Download the multiply lesson as a PDF with the button below and keep it with your notes.
All Grade 4 chapters: Grade 4 math.
