Mastering Number Grouping for Multiplication: A Worksheet for 14-Year-Olds

Instructions

Follow the steps below to practice grouping numbers for multiplication. Remember that grouping numbers can make multiplying easier!

Example:

If you have to multiply 6 x 4, you can think of it as (6 x 2) x 2. This might be easier to work with!

Part 1: Group the Numbers

Group the following pairs of numbers and then calculate the product:

1. (3 x 5) x 2 = _______
2. (4 x 7) x 3 = _______
3. (2 x 6) x 5 = _______
4. (1 x 8) x 9 = _______

Part 2: Create Your Own Grouping

Now try to create your own grouping for the numbers below. Show your work:

1. 12 x 6 = _______ (Try grouping it into 12 x 2 x 3)
2. 15 x 4 = _______ (Try grouping it into 15 x 2 x 2)

Part 3: Word Problems

Read the following word problems and use grouping to find the solutions:

1. Emma has 5 boxes. Each box contains 9 apples. How many apples does she have in total? (Try grouping it as (5 x 10) - (5 x 1) = _______)
2. There are 6 rows of chairs in the auditorium, with 8 chairs in each row. How many chairs are there in total? (Try grouping it as (6 x 4) x 2 = _______)

Part 4: Reflection

Answer the following questions:

1. How did grouping the numbers help you when solving the multiplication problems?
2. Can you think of other situations in daily life where grouping might help with calculations?