Multiply three or more numbers

Keynotes :

Understand the Problem:
  • Clearly read the problem to identify all the numbers involved.
  • Determine the operation required (multiplication).
Arrange the Numbers:
  • Write the numbers in a list or in a column format for clarity.
  • Ensure each number is correctly aligned if using a column method.
Choose the Multiplication Method:
  • Sequential Multiplication: Multiply the numbers two at a time in a step-by-step approach.
  • Array Method: Use arrays or grids for visual multiplication.
  • Lattice Method: Use a lattice grid for organizing multiplication.
Follow These Steps:

Multiply Two Numbers First:

  • Start by multiplying the first two numbers.
  • Example: Multiply 3 and 4 to get 12.

Multiply the Result by the Next Number:

  • Take the result from the first multiplication and multiply it by the next number.
  • Example: Multiply 12 (from 3 × 4) by 5 to get 60.

Continue Multiplying by Each Remaining Number:

  • Repeat the process with any remaining numbers.
  • Example: Multiply 60 by 2 to get 120.

Verify Your Calculation:

  • Double-check each step to ensure accuracy.
  • Consider using a calculator for large numbers to verify results.

Use Estimation for Reasonableness:

  • Estimate the product to ensure the result is reasonable.
  • Compare the estimated result with your calculated answer.
Example Problem:

Problem: Multiply 3, 4, and 5.

Solution Steps:

Multiply Two Numbers First:

  • Multiply 3 × 4 = 12.

Multiply the Result by the Next Number:

  • Multiply 12 × 5 = 60.

Final Answer: 3 × 4 × 5 = 60.

More Example Problems:

✅ Example 1: Basic Multiplication

Multiply: 3 × 5 × 2
→ Step 1: (3 × 5) = 15
→ Step 2: 15 × 2 = 30

Tip: Grouping 3 and 5 first made it easier.

✅ Example 2: Real-Life – School Supplies

Each student gets 2 notebooks for each of 5 subjects. There are 30 students in the class.
How many notebooks are needed in total?

→ Multiply: 2 × 5 × 30
→ Step 1: 2 × 5 = 10
→ Step 2: 10 × 30 = 300 notebooks

✅ Example 3: Using Smart Grouping

Multiply: 4 × 25 × 10
Group (25 × 4) = 100
→ 100 × 10 = 1,000

✅ Smart grouping helps in mental math.

✅ Example 4: Daily Routine – Water Consumption

A person drinks 2 bottles of water per day. Each bottle is 1 liter. Over 7 days, how many liters does he drink?

→ Multiply: 2 × 1 × 7 = 14 liters

✅ Example 5: Large Numbers with Place Value

Multiply: 20 × 300 × 5
→ Multiply non-zero parts: 2 × 3 × 5 = 30
→ Total zeroes = 1 (from 20) + 2 (from 300) = 3
→ Final Answer = 30,000

✅ Example 6: Word Problem – Event Planning

Each row in an auditorium has 12 chairs. There are 10 rows in each section. The auditorium has 4 sections.
How many chairs in total?

→ Multiply: 12 × 10 × 4
→ Step 1: 12 × 10 = 120
→ Step 2: 120 × 4 = 480 chairs

✅ Example 7: Time-Based Problem

A machine packs 5 boxes every 10 minutes. If it runs for 3 hours, how many boxes will it pack?

→ Total minutes in 3 hours = 3 × 60 = 180
→ Number of 10-minute intervals = 180 ÷ 10 = 18
→ Multiply: 5 × 18 = 90 boxes

Or: 5 × 6 × 3 = 90

✅ Example 8: Money Application

Each packet of pencils costs ₹15. A shop sells 8 packets each day for 6 days.
→ Multiply: 15 × 8 × 6
→ Step 1: 15 × 8 = 120
→ Step 2: 120 × 6 = ₹720