Big Ideas:
In a multiplicative comparison, if the group size or the number of groups is unknown, this is a missing factor, which can be solved with division.
Multiplying by x is the inverse of dividing by x.
This lesson builds on students' understanding of multiplicative comparison and the inverse relationship between multiplication and division. The task asks students to determine quantities of items given in terms of multiplicative comparisons in which factors are unknown.
Vocabulary:
multiplicative comparison, factor, product, division, inverse, quotient, group size, multiplier
Special Materials:
graph paper
linking cubes
base ten blocks
Lesson plan