Text Box: 27 x 2 = 54 And since 2 is half of the 4 we are using in the main problem, we just did it multiplied by 2, and that is 108.  

Children’s Strategies for  Multiplication

Jonathan

Move the points on top and left to model Jonathan's solution:

 

Sorry, this page requires a Java-compatible web browser.

 

 

NOTE: We call this a "halving" or "doubling" strategy.  First he halved one factor, and then doubled the product.  Question to consider:  How does Johnathan's solution differ from teh previous three?

 

Answer:

 

He broke up the 4, everyone else broke up the 27.  NOTE: none of the children considered breaking up both factors.