New
New
Explain where zero can be part of a multiplication or division expression and the impact it has
I can explain where zero can be part of a multiplication or division expression and the impact it has.
Lesson 3 of 5
New
New
- Year 4
Explain where zero can be part of a multiplication or division expression and the impact it has
I can explain where zero can be part of a multiplication or division expression and the impact it has.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- When zero is a factor, the product is zero.
- Zero can represent the group size or the number of groups in a multiplication context.
- In a division, zero can be the dividend but not the divisor.
Keywords
Dividend - The dividend is the number being divided.
Divisor - The divisor is a number that will divide the dividend exactly.
Quotient - The quotient is the result of the dividend being divided by the divisor.
Common misconception
Many pupils will come into the lesson believing that the value of 3 ÷ 0 is 0
Make sure that you use other examples of related multiplication and division equations to show how they can help to disprove the idea that the divisor can be used as zero. Keep them clearly displayed on the learning wall.
You might want to have a discussion with the children about what zero is and give them the time to come up with some examples. Explain that it is an important number that has not always been in use.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the missing number in the equation below? × 8 = 40
What is the missing number in the equation below? × 8 = 40
Q2.What is the missing number in the equation below? 8 × = 48
What is the missing number in the equation below? 8 × = 48
Q3.What is the missing number in the equation below? 15 × = 30
What is the missing number in the equation below? 15 × = 30
Q4.Tick the two equations that show that multiplication is commutative.
Tick the two equations that show that multiplication is commutative.
32 = 8 × 4
7 × 6 = 42
Q5.There are 4 bowls of 2 scoops of ice cream. Match the object with group size or number of groups.
There are 4 bowls of 2 scoops of ice cream. Match the object with group size or number of groups.
Q6.Which part of a related division fact does the product become?
Which part of a related division fact does the product become?
Divisor
Quotient
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.45 ÷ 9 = 5 Match the numbers in this equation to their correct labels.
45 ÷ 9 = 5 Match the numbers in this equation to their correct labels.
Q2.Which of these equations is the related division fact for the multiplication equation 6 × 3 = 18?
Which of these equations is the related division fact for the multiplication equation 6 × 3 = 18?
18 ÷ 2 = 9
Q3.What is the missing factor in this equation? × 3 = 0
What is the missing factor in this equation? × 3 = 0
Q4.What is the missing dividend in this equation? ÷ 5 = 0
What is the missing dividend in this equation? ÷ 5 = 0
Q5.True or false? If the dividend is zero, then the quotient will be zero as well.
True or false? If the dividend is zero, then the quotient will be zero as well.
False
Q6.Tick the equations that have a solution of 0
Tick the equations that have a solution of 0
9 ÷ 0 = ?
3 ÷ 0 = ?
