📖 Learn Multiplication & Division in English

🌟 Introduction

Multiplication and division are the next level after addition and subtraction. They make calculations faster and are necessary for solving big problems in mathematics. For children in Upper Primary (Classes 3–5), learning multiplication and division is very important because these skills are used in fractions, decimals, percentages, and real-life problem solving.

This article explains what multiplication and division are, how to teach them step by step, and fun methods for practice.

1️⃣ What Is Multiplication?

Multiplication means repeated addition.

👉 Examples:

• 3 × 4 = 12 → 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 12
  
  

• 6 × 5 = 30 → 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 30
  
  

Real-Life Examples:

• 4 bags with 6 apples each → 4 × 6 = 24 apples
  
  

• A week has 7 days → 7 × 4 = 28 days in 4 weeks
  
  

2️⃣ What Is Division?

Division means splitting or sharing equally.

👉 Examples:

• 12 ÷ 3 = 4 → 12 divided into 3 groups = 4 in each group
  
  

• 20 ÷ 5 = 4 → 20 shared among 5 people = 4 each
  
  

Real-Life Examples:

• 24 chocolates shared among 6 children → 24 ÷ 6 = 4 each
  
  

• 100 pages divided into 5 equal parts → 100 ÷ 5 = 20 pages per part
  
  

3️⃣ Why Multiplication & Division Are Important

• Makes big calculations faster and easier
  
  

• Builds foundation for fractions, decimals, percentages, and algebra
  
  

• Used in daily life: money, time, shopping, cooking, and travel
  
  

• Improves mental math and logical thinking
  
  

4️⃣ Step-by-Step Teaching Method

🔹 Step 1: Link to Addition & Subtraction

• Multiplication is repeated addition
  
  

• Division is repeated subtraction
  
  

Example:

• 4 × 5 = 20 → 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 20
  
  

• 20 ÷ 5 = 4 → 20 − 5 − 5 − 5 − 5 = 0
  
  

🔹 Step 2: Use Tables for Multiplication

• Teach children tables from 1 to 20 (already covered in the previous lesson)
  
  

• Example: 7 × 8 → check in the table of 7 = 56
  
  

🔹 Step 3: Column Method

• Multiplication:
  234 × 6 = 1404
  
  

• Division (Long Division):
  425 ÷ 5 = 85
  
  

🔹 Step 4: Word Problems

• A pencil costs ₹12. How much will 15 pencils cost? (12 × 15 = 180)
  
  

• 200 chocolates are packed into boxes of 25 each. How many boxes? (200 ÷ 25 = 8)
  
  

5️⃣ Fun Activities to Learn

• Multiplication Bingo: Call out sums like 6 × 7, children mark answers on a bingo card
  
  

• Sharing Game: Use real objects like chocolates or blocks for division
  
  

• Flashcards: Quick practice of multiplication and division facts
  
  

• Daily Challenges: Parents ask 5 sums each day (mix of × and ÷)
  
  

6️⃣ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting multiplication tables
  
  

• Misplacing numbers in column multiplication
  
  

• Wrong borrowing or skipping steps in long division
  
  

• Confusing division with subtraction
  
  

🎯 Final Takeaway

Multiplication and division are powerful math tools. With the help of tables, real-life examples, and fun games, children in Classes 3–5 can master them easily. Parents should encourage short daily practice and use real situations like shopping or sharing food to make learning interesting.