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M.2 Write multiplication sentences for equal groups

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What are equal groups in multiplication?

Equal groups are collections of items that each have the same number of objects. Multiplication is a fast way to find the total number of items when you have several equal groups.

Example:
  • 3 bags with 4 apples in each bag.
  • 5 rows with 2 desks in each row.
  • 4 boxes with 3 pencils in each box.
Note

The word "each" is a helpful clue that tells you the groups are equal. Look for it in word problems.

Parts of a multiplication sentence

A complete multiplication sentence has three parts: the number of groups, the number in each group, and the total. It uses the multiplication sign (×) and an equals sign (=).

Example:

Number of groups × Number in each group = Total

  • If you have 4 groups with 3 stars in each group:
  • 4 × 3 = 12
  • This means 4 groups of 3 equals 12 stars in total.
Note

The order of the numbers can be switched (4 × 3 is the same as 3 × 4), but it helps to be consistent: first state the number of groups.

Writing sentences from pictures and arrays

You can write a multiplication sentence by looking at a picture of equal groups or an array (items arranged in rows and columns).

Example from a Picture:
  • A picture shows 3 plates. Each plate has 5 cookies.
  • Number of groups: 3
  • Number in each group: 5
  • Multiplication sentence: 3 × 5 = 15
Example from an Array:
  • An array has 6 rows and 2 dots in each row.
  • Number of groups (rows): 6
  • Number in each group: 2
  • Multiplication sentence: 6 × 2 = 12
Note

In an array, you can count the rows as groups. Each row must have the same number of items.

Writing sentences from word problems

Word problems describe a situation with equal groups. Your job is to identify the numbers and write the correct multiplication sentence to solve it.

Example Problem:

"Ms. Chen's class is working in teams. There are 8 teams, and each team has 4 students. How many students are there in all?"

  • Step 1: Find the number of groups → 8 teams
  • Step 2: Find the number in each group → 4 students
  • Step 3: Write the sentence → 8 × 4 = 32
  • Solution: There are 32 students.
Note

Underline the words that tell you the number of groups and the number in each group. This helps you pick out the important information.

Using different combinations

The same total can often be made with different combinations of equal groups. This shows the flexibility of multiplication.

Example:

You need to arrange 12 chairs.

  • You could have 3 rows with 4 chairs in each row: 3 × 4 = 12
  • You could have 4 rows with 3 chairs in each row: 4 × 3 = 12
  • You could have 2 rows with 6 chairs in each row: 2 × 6 = 12
  • You could have 6 rows with 2 chairs in each row: 6 × 2 = 12
Note

Finding different combinations is like finding all the factor pairs for a number. It helps you understand multiplication deeply.

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