Multiplying by One and Zero: Mastering the Basics!

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Imagine you're a superhero!

Today, you’re getting two amazing powers to help you tackle tricky math problems faster than a speeding bullet! These powers are called Multiply by One and Multiply by Zero.

• Are you ready to start with a fun game?

Read each question, and imagine what happens when multiplying it by one or zero.

• What happens if you multiply 100 by 1?
• Does it change?

Nope! It stays 100 — just like magic!

• Now, what happens if you multiply 100 by 0?

Poof! It disappears into 0, just like a magician's disappearing act!

You’ll feel like a math superhero with these two cool multiplication powers! Dig deeper into your new abilities.

Rule #1: Multiplying by One

Think of 1 as a copy machine. When you multiply any number by 1, it stays exactly the same! It’s like 1 says, “Don’t worry, I’ll keep things just as they are.”

Examples

• 6 × 1 = 6
• 12 × 1 = 12

No matter how big or small the number, multiplying by 1 always keeps it the same. it is almost like looking in the mirror. The number will be reflected back!

Rule #2: Multiplying by Zero

Now, zero is a bit different. Zero is like an eraser—it makes everything disappear!

When you multiply any number by 0, the answer is always 0. It doesn't matter how big or small the number is; zero will always erase it!

Examples

• 8 × 0 = 0
• 100 × 0 = 0

As soon as zero shows up, that number becomes invisible. It’s like magic—only the magic of zero!

Review your new superpowers with the following video.

• Are you ready to practice your new powers?

Now, let's practice what you learned so far. Solve the flashcards below.

Shout out the answers to the problems on the cards below before flipping each over to check the answer.

• How did you do?

Knowing these tricks can make solving math problems a breeze!

For example, when you see a problem like 9 × 1, you won’t even need to think hard—just remember, multiplying by 1 keeps the number the same. And when you encounter a problem like 5 × 0, you already know the answer is 0.

So, the next time you multiply, remember: 1 keeps the number just like it is, and 0 makes it disappear! You’ve got this!

Now, fly to the Got It? section to test your knowledge of multiplying by 0 and 1!