A multiplication number family can give two multiplication facts, but it can also give two division facts. How does this work?
Let's begin with this example:
Our lesser (smaller) numbers are 9 and 7. If these are multiplied, the product equals 63. So we know two multiplication facts from this number family.
9 x 7 = 63
7 x 9 = 63
What do you notice about these facts? When we find our two multiplication facts, we start with the lesser numbers. In division facts, it's the opposite. We start with the greatest (larger) number.
We have the greatest number 63 and the lesser number 9 in our first division fact. Dividing 63 by 9 equals what lesser number? The answer is 7.
Our other division fact is:
Here is another example:
Using the lesser numbers in the number family, we can multiply 8 times 10. This equals the greatest number or product, 80. Let's write this down as multiplication facts.
8 x 10 = 80
10 x 8 = 80
Now let's get our division facts by starting with the greatest number, which is 80. When we divide 80 by 8, it equals 10. And when we divide the same greatest number by 10, it equals 8. We write the division facts this way:
and
Now you have learned how to solve multiplication facts and division facts for the same number family!
