When you're given a word problem, it's easy to get confused. A number family makes it easier for you to solve these problems. Remember that a number family has three numbers. When you know how they're related to each other, you'll be able to solve word problems.
A multiplication number family is made up of two lesser numbers (smaller numbers) that are multiplied to get a greater number (larger number). For example:
The lesser numbers are 5 and 6. When you multiply them, you come up with the greater number, 30.
A multiplication number family has two multiplication facts. What are the two multiplication facts for this number family?
5 x 6 = 30
6 x 5 = 30
This number family also has two division facts. One division fact divides the greater number by the first lesser number.
That is, 30 divided by 5 equals 6 (30 ÷ 5 = 6).
The other division fact divides the greater number by the other lesser number:
That is, 30 divided by 6 equals 5 (30 ÷ 6 = 5).
Now that you know how to get the multiplication and division facts of a number family, let's try another.
When we multiply the lesser numbers, 7 and 3, it equals 21. Do you know what multiplication facts this number family gives?
7 x 3 = 21
3 x 7 = 21
How about the two division facts?
Always remember, a number family gives two multiplication facts and two division facts. Now are you ready to take on word problems?
