Explain how to calculate the area of a rectangle using multiplication

I can explain how to use multiplication to calculate the area of a rectangle.

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Year 5

Explain how to calculate the area of a rectangle using multiplication

I can explain how to use multiplication to calculate the area of a rectangle.

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Share activities with pupils

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Lesson details

Key learning points

The area of a rectangle is similar to an array for multiplication.
Times table knowledge helps you to calculate the area of a rectangle.
To find the area of a rectangle you multiply the length by the width.

Keywords

Array - Items (including numbers) arranged in columns or rows are called arrays.
Length - Length is the distance from one point to another.
Width - Width is the distance from side to side.

Common misconception

Some pupils may still not have the automaticity of times tables facts useful for this lesson.

Pre-teaching some tricky times tables facts by using counters for arrays will be useful. Consider allowing scaffolds within the lesson.

One of the slides shows a teacher using a piece of paper, cut to size, hiding all of the squares on an array apart from the length and the width. Regular practice outside of the lesson using different arrays will help to reinforce the learning.

Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).