Reading ×, ÷, and = Symbols
Read, write, and interpret the symbols ×, ÷, and = in multiplication and division number sentences
What a learner can do afterwards
- Read 3 × 4 = 12 aloud as 'three times four equals twelve'
- Write a multiplication sentence to match an array
- Read 12 ÷ 3 = 4 aloud correctly
1 · Read
You already know the + and − signs, and you know = means 'equals'. Two more signs join that family: × and ÷. The × sign is read as 'times'. The ÷ sign is read as 'divided by'. You read every number sentence from left to right, just like before.
Priya draws an array with 2 rows of 5. She writes the sentence 2 × 5 = 10 and reads it out loud: 'two times five equals ten'.
Read every sign left to right, in the order it's written. In 12 ÷ 3 = 4, say the first number first: 'twelve divided by three equals four'. Reading the numbers backward gives you the wrong sentence.
× means 'times', ÷ means 'divided by', and = still means 'equals'. Read every number sentence left to right.
More to read
Intro to multiplication: FAQ
The times sign joins equal groups into one total. When you see 3 times 4, picture 3 bags with 4 apples in each bag. Count them all and you get 12, so 3 times 4 equals 12. The equals sign is a promise that both sides hold the same amount. Try it with toys: make 2 rows of 5 cars, count 10 cars, and say the full sentence aloud.
Intro to division: FAQ
The division sign shares a total into equal parts. When you see 12 shared by 3, picture 12 grapes split fairly among 3 friends. Each friend gets 4 grapes, so 12 shared by 3 equals 4. Read the sentence from left to right, just like a story. Try it at snack time: share 10 crackers between 2 plates and read the matching sentence.
Match and draw arrays
An array is a neat rectangle of dots or stars that shows a times sentence. Three rows with 4 stars in each row means 3 times 4, which equals 12. Point to each row as you read the sentence aloud. Then flip it: 4 columns of 3 also make 12. Draw your own array of 2 rows of 6 dots and write the sentence it shows.
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2 · Watch
En anglaisTake it off screen
Where it sits
Optional connections
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17 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.