Teaching mathematics is always a fascinating journey, especially when you can engage your students in intriguing and interactive learning activities. One such activity that’s sure to capture their attention is called ‘Pulling Numbers Apart.’ This hands-on exercise is an excellent way to help your students not only strengthen their multiplication and division skills but also improve their number sense, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

Introducing the Activity

Start the activity with a simple multiplication problem. Have your students multiply the numbers 35, 24, and 44 using a calculator. The result they should get is 36,960.

(35)(24)(44) = 36960

Once they’ve calculated this, ask them to put their calculators aside. The real challenge begins now!

Analyzing the Problem: Pulling Numbers Apart

Pose an interesting question to your students: Can they identify which numbers would divide 36,960 evenly just by looking at the factors they used to obtain this product?

Encourage them to dissect each factor:

• 35 = 5 x 7, so 36960 is divisible by both 5 and 7.
• 24 = 2 x 12, so 36960 is divisible by both 2 and 12.

Challenge your students to further work with the number 36,960, trying to determine which numbers from 2 through 12 will divide 36,960 evenly.

Exploring Divisibility: The Case of 9

To add another layer of complexity to the exercise, ask them to find out if 36,960 is divisible by 9, and if not, why. The answer lies in the simple divisibility rule for 9: a number is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is also divisible by 9. However, when you add the digits of 36,960 (3+6+9+6+0=24), the result, 24, isn’t divisible by 9. Thus, they’ll deduce that 36,960 isn’t divisible by 9.

Accommodations and Modifications

It’s crucial to ensure that every student is able to participate and enjoy the activity fully. Here are a few suggestions for accommodations and modifications:

• For students who struggle with multiplication, provide a multiplication table as a resource.
• You may also adjust the numbers used in the problem to cater to different learning levels in the classroom.
• Encourage pair or group work, which can help students with social skills and collaboration while allowing them to learn from each other’s mathematical strategies and problem-solving techniques.
• Use manipulatives or visual aids to help students better understand the concept of factors and divisibility.

Examples and Gameplay Scenarios

Let’s imagine a scenario:

A student named Mia is working on the problem. She identifies that 35 is 5 times 7 and confirms that 36,960 is divisible by both 5 and 7 by actually performing the division.

Next, she looks at the number 24 and thinks, “This is 2 times 12.” So she tests if 36,960 is divisible by 2 and 12. It checks out!

Now she continues the same process for the numbers between 2 and 12. When she comes to 9, she recalls the divisibility rule. She adds up the digits of 36,960 and gets 24. “Ah, ha!” Mia thinks. “24 isn’t divisible by 9, so 36,960 can’t be either.”

Through this interactive activity, Mia strengthens her understanding of factors and divisibility while simultaneously improving her critical thinking skills.

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Connection

This activity addresses multiple Common Core State Standards (CCSS), including:

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.OA.B.4: Find all factor pairs for a whole number in the range 1–100. Recognize that a whole number is a multiple of each of its factors.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.B.3: Fluently add, subtract, multiply, and divide multi-digit decimals using the standard algorithm for each operation.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.B.4: Find the greatest common factor of two whole numbers less than or equal to 100 and the least common multiple of two whole numbers less than or equal to 12.

‘Pulling Numbers Apart’

‘Pulling Numbers Apart’ is not just another math activity. It’s a game that unlocks the magic of numbers, fostering an environment of exploration and understanding. It’s a wonderful way to engage students and enhance their number sense and problem-solving skills, all while adhering to the Common Core State Standards.

In a world where technology and calculators seem to have all the answers, activities like ‘Pulling Numbers Apart’ encourage students to trust their reasoning and engage with numbers at a deeper level. Try this activity in your classroom today and prepare to be amazed by the mathematical revelations your students uncover!

Make Math Fun and Engaging with our File Folder Math Games!

Don’t let your students miss out on the joy of learning math! With our File Folder Math Games Books, math practice becomes an exciting game. These resources are filled with a variety of math games, making learning fun and interactive. They cater to different learning levels and are easy to set up for any math class. The best part? You can turn these games into durable board games with just a bit of lamination. We’re so confident you’ll love them, we’ve provided free game samples in the previews. Make math a favorite subject for your students and transform your math lessons into exciting game sessions. Grab your File Folder Math Games today!

Unlocking the Magic of Numbers: Pulling Numbers Apart, Part II

Welcome back, esteemed educators! Today, we’re delving deeper into the world of mathematics through our interactive learning activity – ‘Pulling Numbers Apart’. If you found the first installment engaging, then you’re in for a treat. We’re about to take this mathematical voyage up a notch!

Setting the Stage

Just like the initial activity, you will once again ask your students to start with a simple multiplication task. Let’s switch the numbers a bit this time. Ask them to multiply 50, 36, and 43. They should get the product 77400.

(50)(36)(43) = 77400

Have them put their calculators aside. The exploration now truly begins!

Deepening the Challenge: More Pulling Apart

Can your students, using only their minds and their understanding of factors, determine which numbers from 2 through 12 will evenly divide 77400?

Let them take a moment to contemplate the factors:

• 50 = 5 x 10, so 77400 is divisible by both 5 and 10.
• 36 = 4 x 9, so 77400 is divisible by both 4 and 9.

The goal is for them to utilize this understanding, continue to dissect the number 77400, and find out all numbers between 2 and 12 that will divide it evenly.

The Intrigue of Indivisibility: The Case of 7

To make this activity even more interesting, propose a trick question: Is 77400 divisible by 7? The key to the answer lies in the divisibility rule for 7, which unfortunately isn’t as straightforward as for some other numbers. However, this is a fantastic opportunity to introduce or reinforce this rule if your students aren’t already familiar with it.

As it turns out, 77400 is not divisible by 7. How can they confirm this without a calculator? They can use the rule for checking divisibility by 7: double the last digit and subtract it from the rest of the number. If the result is divisible by 7 (or is 0), then the original number is divisible by 7. By following this rule, they will determine that 77400 is not divisible by 7, an excellent chance to hone their mental math and reasoning skills.

Adaptations for Different Learners

Remember, every student’s learning curve is unique. It’s important to make some adaptations for students who might find this activity challenging:

• Pre-teach or review the concept of factors and divisibility rules.
• Provide visual aids or number lines to help students visualize the number being dissected.
• Adjust the complexity of the numbers based on your students’ understanding.
• Foster a collaborative environment by encouraging group work, which can facilitate peer learning and collective problem-solving.

Gameplay Scenarios: Walking Through the Process

Let’s consider a student, Lucas, tackling this problem. He realizes that 50 is the product of 5 and 10. By conducting the division, he confirms that 77400 is indeed divisible by both these numbers.

Next, Lucas dissects 36 into 4 and 9. He checks and finds that 77400 is divisible by both 4 and 9. Excited, he continues to work his way through the numbers 2 through 12.

When he reaches 7, he remembers the divisibility rule for 7. He follows the steps and concludes that 77400 is not divisible by 7. This process not only strengthens his understanding of factors and divisibility but also boosts his confidence in solving mathematical problems.

Aligning with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

This activity is designed with specific Common Core State Standards in mind, including:

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NBT.B.5: Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NBT.B.6: Find whole-number quotients of whole numbers with up to four-digit dividends and two-digit divisors.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.B.4: Find the greatest common factor of two whole numbers less than or equal to 100 and the least common multiple of two whole numbers less than or equal to 12.

Wrapping Up

The ‘Pulling Numbers Apart’ activity is not just an exercise in mathematics, but a journey through the captivating world of numbers. By challenging students to dig deeper, we’re encouraging them to see beyond numbers and calculators. In the process, they’re developing vital skills such as reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving that are fundamental to mathematics and beyond.

Try this enriching activity in your classroom today, and see how it sparks curiosity, promotes learning, and creates a fun, interactive environment for your students. Happy teaching!

Make Math Fun and Engaging with our File Folder Math Games!

Are you looking for a fun, engaging, and practical way to help your students improve their math skills? Look no further! Our File Folder Math Books are the perfect resource for you. These books contain a wide variety of math games that will put a smile on your students’ faces while they practice and enhance their math abilities​. With games covering different standards, these books cater to different learning levels and are easy to set up for any math class. They can be laminated and made into math board games for added longevity and interaction​. We even offer a sneak peek at what’s in store – just check out the previews for free samples of the games inside! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make math a favorite subject for your students. Get your File Folder Math Books today and transform your math lessons into exciting game sessions​!