Target 4: Multiplying/Dividing Groups of 10, 100 & 1000

There are many multiplications and divisions that may look complex at first sight but can (and probably should) be performed mentally. These are the calculations that combine basic times-tables with a change in place value: 6x3 becomes 600x3; 32÷8 becomes 3200÷80.

In the Target 4 workbook your students will start by changing one number in a times-table to a group of 10 and then learn that the answer to the relevant times-table becomes ten times greater also. This will lead naturally to them being able to make numbers and answers 100 or 1000 times greater. After this, they will learn what happens when both numbers in the multiplication are altered.

We then focus on changing some of these numbers into decimals (tenths, hundredths or thousandths) and study what happens to each answer.

Students will also study divisions that are connected to basic times-tables facts: can they mentally solve 480÷6, 480÷60 or even 480÷600?

Why should they learn these skills? Not only will it save the time of using longer written methods - not only will it sharpen your students’ thinking skills and help them appreciate consistent patterns in calculations - they will also be able to use these facts to ‘round’ numbers in trickier calculations and estimate sensible answers.

Each Target Practice workbook is divided into ten challenges, with target scores and time limits. The Target Extra section at the back of each book contains several repeat challenges, enabling pupils to hit that target score should they miss out the first time.

This is a colourful 103-page PDF download, with explanation pages for each concept, and quick links to each chapter and the answer pages.

Not only that, this Target Practice workbook contains links to 75 minutes of teaching video, created by Catapult (only available to those who purchase the workbook).

Target 4’s ten steps are as follows:

Target 4a: Back to the Tables

Target 4b: Multiplying Groups of 10

Target 4c: Multiplying Groups of 100 & 1,000

Target 4d: When Both Numbers Change

Target 4e: Single Digits x Decimals

Target 4f: Groups of 100 & 1,000 x Decimals

Target 4g: Dividing Groups of 10, 100 & 1,000

Target 4h: Putting it all Together

Target 4i: Rounding

Target 4j: Estimating Answers

Launch their potential.

Trevor Veale

Target Practice author

Owner and full-time tutor at Catapult

Primary school teacher for nine years