Students will use Part-Part-Whole Charts to learn how to multiply and divide. They will use the Inventory Worksheet to determine whether multiplication or division is needed for each question and then solve for the answer.

Created by Paula Warden, July 2006

The student uses place value to represent whole numbers and decimals. TEKS §111.16. Math, Grade 4. (b) (1)(B)

The student multiplies and divides to solve meaningful problems involving whole numbers. TEKS §111.16. Math, Grade 4. (b)(4)(B,D,E)

The student communicates about Grade 4 mathematics using informal language. TEKS §111.16. Math, Grade 4. (b)(15)(A,B)

Lesson Objective: Students will use information from a historic document to practice multiplication and division problem-solving with part-part-whole charts.

Lead discussion about previous lesson on Juneteenth celebrations in Texas, if applicable. Tell students they will be revisiting Mr. Browning’s property inventory.

Review the use of a Part-Part-Whole chart (see handout). Explain that multiplication and division work the same as addition and subtraction, respectively, on the chart.

In multiplication, the factors are the parts (sets and objects in each set) given in the problem, and the product is the whole which is missing. An easy distinction between addition and multiplication is putting together like objects (add) versus looking at sets with objects in each set (multiplication).

Example: Mr. Browning had 25 acres of land. Each acre was worth 35 cents. How much was all of Mr. Browning’s land worth?

In division, the divisor and quotient are the parts and the dividend is the whole. The problem will present the dividend (whole) and one of the parts. The other part will answer the question asked. In subtraction, you are “taking away,” separating, or comparing like objects. Division is splitting or dividing things up into equal groups.

Example: Mr. Browning had 10 laying hens that were worth a total of $5.50. How much was each hen worth?

*Teacher note: Always use a PPW chart with the parts on top and the whole on the bottom. This will help students easily transition into fractions and understanding the placement of numerators and denominators.

Give students a copy of the Inventory Worksheet which is a portion of “An Inventory of the Property belonging to the estate of Nathan P. Browning”