About this game

Multiplication word problems

Multiplication word problems: a free Grade 5 math game for ages 10-11. Kids multiply 2-digit numbers to find how many books are in all the boxes. Each round brings 10 fresh questions with new numbers; instructions are read aloud and every answer is checked.

How it plays and why it helps

Boxes of books on a library cart make a tidy multiplication. Multiplication word problems tells the same short story on every card, 22 boxes with 19 books in each, and asks how many books there are in all. New numbers come on every card, 12 to 25 boxes and 12 to 48 books, ten cards per round. Your child types the total in this Grade 5 game; each answer is checked, with a hint on every card.

Every box holding the same amount is the signal for multiplying, and the hint names it: every box has the same number of books. With two two-digit numbers, the product needs a method, such as splitting 19 into 10 and 9: 22 × 10 is 220, 22 × 9 is 198, together 418. That is the logic of the standard algorithm, written out.

Story problems invite adding. With 22 boxes and 19 books, typing 41 adds the boxes to the books. Ask, "Is 41 books enough to fill even three boxes?" The size of the answer gives it away. Then say, "You saw equal groups and multiplied."

Aligned with

  • 5.OA.A.2 Write simple expressions that record calculations with numbers, and interpret numerical expressions without evaluating them. For example, express the calculation "add 8 and 7, then multiply by 2" as 2 × (8 + 7). Recognize that 3 × (18932 + 921) is three times as large as 18932 + 921, without having to calculate the indicated sum or product.

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