Mathematics
Grade 4
15 min
Multiplication facts up to 12: find the missing factor
Multiplication facts up to 12: find the missing factor
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the factors and product in a multiplication equation.
Use the relationship between multiplication and division to find a missing factor.
Solve equations with a missing factor represented by a symbol or letter (e.g., 7 x ? = 42).
Recall multiplication facts up to 12 x 12 to quickly determine the missing factor.
Apply the concept of finding a missing factor to solve simple word problems.
Explain the strategy used to find a missing factor in a given multiplication problem.
If you have 30 cookies and want to put them into 5 equal bags for a party, how many cookies go in each bag? 🍪 You just found a missing factor!
In this lesson, you'll become a math detective! We will learn how to find the 'mystery number' in a multiplication proble...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
FactorA number that is multiplied by another number to get a product.In the equation 3 x 8 = 24, the numbers 3 and 8 are both factors.
ProductThe answer to a multiplication problem.In the equation 3 x 8 = 24, the number 24 is the product.
Multiplication EquationA number sentence that shows two factors being multiplied to get a product.6 x 7 = 42 is a multiplication equation.
Missing FactorThe unknown number in a multiplication equation that you need to find.In 5 x __ = 20, the blank space represents the missing factor.
Inverse OperationAn operation that 'undoes' another operation. Division is the inverse operation of multiplication.To solve 4 x __ = 36, you can use the inverse operation: 36 ÷ 4 = 9.
Fact FamilyA group of related multiplication and division...
3
Core Formulas
The Missing Factor Rule (using Division)
Product \div Known\ Factor = Missing\ Factor
To find a missing factor, you can divide the product by the factor you already know. This is the most direct way to solve these problems.
The Commutative Property of Multiplication
a \times b = b \times a
The order of the factors does not change the product. This helps because if you know 8 x 3, you also know 3 x 8. It makes finding missing factors easier if the known factor is larger.
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Challenging
The missing factor in 5 x __ = 60 is a number 'A'. The missing factor in __ x 7 = 56 is a number 'B'. What is the value of A + B?
A.15
B.19
C.20
D.21
Challenging
A number 'n' is the missing factor in n x 8 = 96. Another number 'k' is the missing factor in 6 x k = 48. What is the missing factor in the equation k x ? = n?
A.2
B.3
C.4
D.6
Challenging
A library is setting up new bookshelves. They have 132 books. Some shelves hold 12 books each and some shelves hold 11 books each. If they use exactly 9 shelves that hold 12 books each, how many shelves that hold 11 books each will they need for the rest of the books?
A.2 shelves
B.3 shelves
C.4 shelves
D.8 shelves
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