Math Hands is a fun way to work with multiplication problems. For this activity, you'll use a marker and some paper.
Here's how the game works:
1) Trace your right hand on a sheet of paper. Pick a three-digit number. Let's say you picked 456. With a marker, write the digits on the fingers of your hand drawing. Write the number 4 on your index finger, 5 on your middle finger, and 6 on your ring finger.
2) Now, pick a single-digit number. Let's say you picked 3. Draw 3 on your thumb.
3) Our multiplication problem is 456 times 3. Now, let's solve this problem using Math Hands!
Solving the problem:
First, take the tracing of your right hand. It should look something like this:
Now let's start multiplying! Start with the ring finger. That's 6 times 3. The answer equals 18.
Draw a line on the palm of your hand. This will be your equal bar. When your answer is a two-digit number like 18, you must regroup (carry) 1. Write down 8 on the palm of your hand, under the equal bar. Then regroup the 1. Write it over the 5 on your middle finger.
Next, we solve the middle finger. That's 5 times 3. The answer equals 15. Add the 1 you carried from the ring finger loop, so you get 15 + 1 = 16. Write down 6 on your palm, and then regroup the 1. Write it over the 4 on your index finger.
The last finger is easy to solve: 4 times 3 equals 12. Add the 1 you carried from the other loops and we've got 13! Now, write down the 13 under the equal bar. The correct product, or answer, equals 1,368.
Trace another hand for a new problem. Try this one out on your own: 549 x 7.
Ready to move on to the next lesson?
Three Digit Column Multiplication
