Mathematics
Grade 6
15 min
Multiplication word problems
Multiplication word problems
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify keywords and phrases that indicate multiplication in word problems.
Translate real-world scenarios into mathematical multiplication expressions.
Apply the multiplication operation to solve single-step word problems.
Solve multi-step word problems that involve multiplication.
Determine the correct units for the answer in multiplication word problems.
Check the reasonableness of their answers in the context of the problem.
Ever wondered how many cookies you'd need for a party if each guest eats 3? 🍪 Multiplication word problems help us figure out these kinds of real-life totals!
In this lesson, you'll learn how to break down word problems to find the hidden multiplication, set up the correct equations, and solve them. Mastering these sk...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
MultiplicationA mathematical operation that represents repeated addition of the same number, or finding the total when you have a certain number of groups with an equal number of items in each group.If you have 4 bags of apples and each bag has 5 apples, multiplication (4 x 5) tells you the total number of apples.
FactorsThe numbers that are multiplied together to get a product.In the equation 3 x 7 = 21, the numbers 3 and 7 are the factors.
ProductThe result or answer obtained when two or more numbers are multiplied together.In the equation 3 x 7 = 21, the number 21 is the product.
Keywords for MultiplicationWords or phrases in a word problem that often indicate multiplication is the operation needed, such as 'each', 'per', 'times', �...
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Core Formulas
Identifying the Operation
Look for keywords or scenarios that imply combining equal groups, scaling a quantity, or finding a total based on a rate.
If the problem asks for a total amount given a number of groups and the amount per group, or a total distance given speed and time, multiplication is likely needed. Keywords like 'each', 'per', 'times', 'of' (in contexts like 'groups of') are strong indicators.
The Multiplication Formula
$$ \text{Total} = \text{Number of Groups} \times \text{Items per Group} $$ or $$ \text{Total Quantity} = \text{Rate} \times \text{Time/Quantity} $$
This rule helps set up the equation. Identify what represents the 'number of groups' or 'rate' and what represents the 'items...
5 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A store buys jackets from a manufacturer for $50 each. The store marks up the price by 60% to sell to customers. If a customer buys 3 of these jackets, what is the total amount they pay before tax?
A.$150
B.$90
C.$180
D.$240
Challenging
A family is planning a 450-mile road trip. Their car uses 1 gallon of gas for every 30 miles. They calculate they will need 15 gallons of gas for the trip. If gas costs $4.00 per gallon, what is the total estimated cost for gas?
A.$60.00
B.$112.50
C.$30.00
D.$45.00
Challenging
A concert hall has 3 sections. The main floor has 25 rows with 40 seats each. The balcony has 15 rows with 30 seats each. The mezzanine has 12 rows with 20 seats each. What is the total seating capacity of the concert hall?
A.107 seats
B.1690 seats
C.1450 seats
D.1590 seats
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