Learn on PengienVision, Mathematics, Grade 4Chapter 3: Use Strategies and Properties to Multiply by 1-Digit Numbers

Lesson 7: Choose a Strategy to Multiply

In this Grade 4 enVision Mathematics lesson, students learn how to select the most appropriate multiplication strategy — including the Distributive Property, area models, partial products, and compensation — to solve multi-digit multiplication problems. Working through real-world scenarios like calculating car repair costs and theater seating, students practice multiplying 1-digit numbers by 2-, 3-, and 4-digit numbers while explaining and justifying their chosen methods. The lesson is part of Chapter 3 and builds fluency and precision in multiplication across a variety of problem types.

Section 1

Choosing the Right Multiplication Strategy

Property

The most efficient multiplication strategy depends on the numbers in the problem. Analyze the factors to decide which method to use.

  • Compensation: Use when a factor is close to a multiple of 10 or 100 (e.g., 9, 19, 98).
  • Area Model / Partial Products: Use to visualize breaking apart larger numbers by place value.

Examples

Lesson overview

Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.

Expand

Section 1

Choosing the Right Multiplication Strategy

Property

The most efficient multiplication strategy depends on the numbers in the problem. Analyze the factors to decide which method to use.

  • Compensation: Use when a factor is close to a multiple of 10 or 100 (e.g., 9, 19, 98).
  • Area Model / Partial Products: Use to visualize breaking apart larger numbers by place value.

Examples