Interpret a multiplication equation as a comparison, e.g., interpret 35 = 5 × 7 as a statement that 35 is 5 times as many as 7 and 7 times as many as 5. Represent verbal statements of multiplicative comparisons as multiplication equations.
Standard:
Math.4.OA.2 or 4.OA.A.2
Description:
Multiply or divide to solve word problems involving multiplicative
comparison, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol
for the unknown number to represent the problem, distinguishing
multiplicative comparison from additive comparison.
The equals sign can be translated as "is." The multiplication sign can be translated as "times as many as." The equation can be translated as: 6 is 2 times as many as 3, or 6 is 3 times as many as 2.
Example:
Interpret the phrase "times as many," set up an equation, and solve.
4 × 5 = ?
The solution to the equation is 20. Angela was assigned 20 pages of reading for English class.
Note that, while equal to the same value, 4 times as many as 5 pages does not have the same meaning in the problem as 5 times as many as 4 pages.
4th Grade Math - One-Step Problems Lesson