Lesson 6

Using Multiplication Strategies

Est. Class Sessions: 2

Daily Practice and Problems

Teacher Notes

Write an addition or multiplication problem on a display. Display the problem quickly, and ask students to estimate the solution using convenient numbers. The trick is to display the problem long enough for students to register the problem and think about the numbers in it, but not long enough for them to solve the problem exactly. Practice a few times and adjust your timing based on the response of your students. Use problems similar to those below. Ask students to tell the convenient numbers they used. Ask if others used different convenient numbers to estimate. Have the students compare estimates.
Have students discuss strategies. Which strategies produce better estimates?

Your teacher will flash a problem on a display. It will be either multiplication or addition. Estimate the solution to the problem using convenient numbers. You will not have time to solve the problem using pencil and paper.
What strategies did you use to estimate? Which numbers in the problems did you focus on most to make your estimate?