How to use this sheet

  • Before working anything out, ask the child whether the product will be bigger or smaller than the first number.
  • Use a number line or a bar to show multiplying by a number more than 1, and by a fraction less than 1.
  • Have the child explain each answer with the words "more than 1" or "less than 1".

Common mistakes

  • Believing that multiplying always makes a number bigger. Multiplying by a number less than 1 makes it smaller.
  • Thinking that multiplying by exactly 1 changes the number. It stays the same.
  • Working out the product when the question asks only to compare. Look at the factor, not the answer.

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