Read the Problem Carefully:

• Identify and underline the numbers and keywords.
• Determine what is being asked and the operation needed.

Identify Keywords:

• Words like “total,” “each,” “per,” and “in all” often indicate multiplication.

Break Down the Problem:

• Convert the word problem into a mathematical expression or equation.
• Identify the multiplicand (number to be multiplied) and the multiplier (number by which to multiply).

Set Up the Multiplication:

• Write down the numbers to be multiplied.
• Choose the appropriate multiplication method (e.g., column method, grid method).

Solve the Problem:

• Perform the multiplication.
• Double-check calculations for accuracy.

Write the Answer:

• Ensure the answer is in the context of the problem.
• Include units (e.g., dollars, items, etc.) if applicable.

Check the Reasonableness:

• Estimate the result to ensure it makes sense with the problem’s context.
• Reevaluate if the answer seems unreasonable or incorrect.

Example Problem:

Problem: A school is organizing a field trip for 8 classes. Each class has 25 students. How many students are going on the field trip in total?

Solution Steps:

1. Read the Problem: Identify the number of classes and students per class.
2. Keywords: “total” and “each” indicate multiplication.
3. Break Down:

• Multiplicand: 25 (students per class)
• Multiplier: 8 (number of classes)

1. Set Up the Multiplication: 25 × 8
2. Solve:

• (25 times 8 = 200)

1. Write the Answer: There are 200 students going on the field trip.
2. Check Reasonableness: Estimate: 20 × 8 = 160; 200 is a reasonable result.