---
title: "Multiplicative Comparison Word Problems"
description: "Solve word problems involving multiplicative comparison using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/multiplicative-comparison-word-problems-mt_6-j1NO2ZUH
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/multiplicative-comparison-word-problems-mt_6-j1NO2ZUH.md
retrieved: 2026-09-02
---

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# Multiplicative Comparison Word Problems

Solve word problems involving multiplicative comparison using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Multiplication & Division · Ages 9 to 10
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/multiplicative-comparison-word-problems-mt_6-j1NO2ZUH

## Ready when they can

- A blue ribbon is 3 times as long as a red ribbon of 7 cm — how long is the blue ribbon?
- 36 is 4 times a number — what is the number?
- Explain why 'Sam has 5 more' is additive but 'Sam has 5 times as many' is multiplicative

## Lesson: Writing equations for multiplicative comparison

You already know that 'times as many' means multiply, not add. 'Sam has 5 more' tells you to add 5. 'Sam has 5 times as many' tells you to multiply by 5. Now you will write that idea as an equation, using a letter or symbol for the number you do not know yet.

**Example.** A red ribbon is 9 cm long. A blue ribbon is 3 times as long. Write it as an equation: 3 x 9 = b, where b is the blue ribbon's length. Solve: b = 27 cm.

*(drawing: '30 is 5 times a number' becomes 5 x n = 30. This array shows 5 rows of 6, so n = 6.)*

**Example.** Sometimes the unknown sits inside the multiplication. '30 is 5 times a number' becomes 5 x n = 30. Ask yourself: 5 times what lands on 30? Count up in 5s: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30. That took 6 jumps, so n = 6.

**Tip.** The symbol can be a letter like n or a box like this: ▢. Read the equation like a sentence: '3 times a number equals 12' becomes 3 x n = 12.

**Recap.** Turn a 'times as many' problem into a multiplication equation with a symbol for the unknown, then solve for that symbol.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Multiplicative Comparison as an Equation](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/multiplicative-comparison-as-an-equation-mt_U4cIBXVug4)
- [Multiplication and Division Word Problems](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/multiplication-and-division-word-problems-mt_Zdv-b-iW5K)

## Opens up

- [Scaling by fractions and simple rates](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/scaling-by-fractions-and-simple-rates-mt_ZOJ6EbdPOb)