Cluster 4:  Develop multiplication/division strategies

During this cluster, students will apply their understanding of place value, the models for multiplication (array/area model, tape diagram, partial products, etc.), and the properties of operations (distributive, associative, commutative properties) to explore, develop, discuss and solve multiplication and division problems involving multi-digit numbers. A variety of contexts should be used to provide opportunities for students to select and make sense of different strategies to compute numbers. Investigation of area and perimeter should be incorporated throughout this cluster. Students will use their understanding of rectangles and reason about multiplication and division related to the dimensions of a rectangle. Through the investigations, the area and perimeter formulas will emerge in connection to the area model. Students will also explore division
using the area model and the relationship between multiplication and division to solve problems with missing side measures. Students will expand on their work of representing and solving problems using the area model and partial products solving two-digit by two-digit multiplication problems. As the numbers get larger, students will see the need for more efficient strategies. Students will compare and connect the standard algorithm to the area model and partial products method.  (See About this Cluster and the Unpacking Document below for more details on this cluster.)