Explain and represent multiplication when a group contains zero or one items | Maths

Starter quiz

Which multiplication expression matches this grouping of counters?

4 + 4 + 4 + 4

3 × 4

4 × 4 ✓

4 × 5
Here is a bar model. What multiplication expression does it represent?

5 × 4 ✓

4 × 4

5 × 5

5 × 6
Jacob has drawn some dots. Which of these representations does it match?

3 + 3 + 3 + 3

There are 5 groups of 3 ✓
Select the correct multiplication expression.

9 × 6

4 × 9

9 × 5 ✓

9 × 4
Look at the image which shows 4 groups of 3 How would you change 4 × 3 to show 3 × 3?

Remove 1 group of 3 bundles of sweets. ✓

Add 1 group of 3 bundles of sweets.

Remove 2 bundles 3 sweets.

Add 2 bundles of 3 sweets.
Look at the image which shows 4 groups of 4 How would you change 4 × 4 to show 4 × 3?

Remove one sandwich from each group. ✓

Add one sandwich to each group.

Remove 1 group of sandwiches.

Add 1 group of sandwiches.

Exit quiz

Look at the image. Before, there were three groups of four milkshakes. After the party, there are three groups of ___ milkshakes.

zero ✓

one

two

three
Look at the image. Before, there were three groups of four milkshakes. After the party, there are three groups of ___ milkshake.

zero

one ✓

two

three
Look at the representation below. There are 8 empty plates. Select the correct multiplication expression for this.

5 × 0

6 × 0

7 × 0

8 × 0 ✓
Look at the representation below. Each vase has 1 flower. Select the correct multiplication expression for this.

5 × 1

6 × 1 ✓

7 × 1

8 × 1
Match the multiplication expressions to the addition expression.

0 + 0

⇔

2 × 0 ✓

0 + 0 + 0 + 0

⇔

4 × 0 ✓

0 + 0 + 0

⇔

3 × 0 ✓

1 + 1

⇔

2 × 1 ✓

1 + 1 + 1 + 1

⇔

4 × 1 ✓
Match the multiplication expressions to the correct groupings.

5 × 0

⇔

5 groups of 0 ✓

5 × 1

⇔

1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 ✓

4 × 0

⇔

0 + 0 + 0 + 0 ✓

4 × 1

⇔

4 groups of 1 ✓

Worksheet

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Lesson Details

Key learning points

You can explain and represent multiplication when a group contains zero or one items.
The group size can be 1 and the number of groups can be 1
If there are 3 groups of zero then we can write 0 + 0 + 0 or 3 x 0

Common misconception

Children may struggle to comprehend groups of zero. For example children may see four empty plates as four groups of one.

Use a context where the number of groups is still visible when the group size is zero. Remember to make the distinction as to what is representing zero. Use the familiar stem sentences There are ___ groups of ___.

Keywords

Zero - Zero is the number that represents no amount or objects. When we add zero to a number, the result is just the number, unchanged.
Group / grouping - A set of things with an identity.