Multiplicative Comparison Word Problems Lesson and Examples

Lesson Objective

The lesson is aligned to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics – 4.OA.2 Operations and Algebraic Thinking - Multiply or divide to solve word problems involving multiplicative comparison.

Materials Required

Calculator

Using Multiplication to Solve Word Problems Involving Multiplicative Comparisons

Part A

Look at the word problem below.

Jacob’s dog weighs 3 times as much as Aaron’s dog. Aaron’s dog weighs 14 pounds. How much does Jacob’s dog weigh?

This word problem can be represented by a multiplication equation. The weight of Jacob’s dog is unknown. Let w represent the weight of Jacob’s dog.

w = 3 x 14

w = 42

Jacob’s dog weighs 42 pounds.

Part B

Look at the word problems below. Write a multiplication equation for each word problem. Solve the equations and label your answers.

1. Ashley has a kitten that weighs 2 times as much as Carly’s kitten. Carly’s kitten weighs 4 pounds. How much does Ashley’s kitten weigh?
2. Jasmine has 2 times as many stickers as Chloe. Chloe has 12 stickers. How many stickers does Jasmine have?

Answers:

1. Let k = the weight of Ashley’s kitten. k = 2 x 4, k = 8, Ashley’s kitten weighs 8 pounds.
2. Let s = the number of stickers Jasmine has. s = 2 x 12, s = 24, Jasmine has 24 stickers.

Using Division to Solve Word Problems involving Multiplicative Comparisons

Part A

Look at the word problem below.

Darren’s dog weighs 36 pounds. Darren’s dog weighs 3 times as much as Corey’s dog. How much does Corey’s dog weigh?

This word problem can be represented by a division equation. The weight of Corey’s dog is unknown. Let c represent the weight of Corey’s dog.

c = 36 / 3

c = 12

Cory’s dog weighs 12 pounds.

Part B

Look at the word problems below. Write a multiplication equation for each word problem. Solve the equations and label your answers.

1. Andy’s kitten weighs 9 pounds. Andy’s kitten weighs 3 times as much as Dave’s kitten. How much does Dave’s kitten weigh?
2. James has 51 stickers. James has 3 times as many stickers as Chuck. How many stickers does Chuck have?

Answers:

1. Let d = the weight of Dave’s kitten. d = 9/3, d = 3, Dave’s kitten weighs 3 pounds.
2. Let c = the number of stickers Chuck has. c = 51/3, c = 17, Chuck has 17 stickers.

Individual or Group Work

Use multiplication or division to solve the word problems about a video game. Write the equation for each word problem. Solve the equations and label your answers.

1. Ken’s score on a video game is 540 points. Ken’s score is 4 times as many points as Alex’s score. How many points is Alex’s score?
2. Tanya scored 3 times as many points as Stacy on a video game. Stacy scored 57 points. How many points did Tanya score?
3. Peter scored 4 times as many points as Bob on a video game. Bob scored 84 points. How many points did Peter score?
4. Ben’s score on a video game is 990 points. Ben’s score is 3 times as many points as John’s score. How many points is John’s score?
5. Emily scored 2 times as many points as Sarah on a video game. Sarah scored 63 points. How many points did Emily score?

Answers:

1. Let a = Alex’s points. a = 540 / 4, a = 135, Alex’s score is 135 points.
2. Let t = Tanya’s points. t = 3 x 57, t = 171, Tanya’s score is 171 points.
3. Let p = Peter’s points. p = 4 x 84, p = 336, Peter’s score is 336 points.
4. Let j = John’s points. j = 990 / 3, j = 330, John’s score is 330 points.
5. Let e = Emily’s points. e = 2 x 63, e = 126, Emily’s score is 126 points.

This post is part of the series: Mathematics Lesson Plan

This lesson plan covers Common Core math lessons for multiplicative comparisons, mutlistep word problems, factors, multiples and patterns.

1. Multiplicative Comparisons
2. Word Problems Involving Multiplicative Comparisons
3. Multistep Word Problems
4. Factors and Multiples
5. Teaching About Patterns
6. Assessment on Math Series