Developing mental multiplication and division for 4th-grade students

Abstract

The topic of practicing multiplication and division mental calculation for students aims to contribute to the development strategy for mental arithmetic as outlined by the elementary mathematics curriculum. The Grade 3 math curriculum provides students with adequate skills for multiplication and division calculations both within and outside of the multiplication table (multiplying and dividing by one-digit numbers). In Grade 4, these techniques are further refined to enhance calculation abilities. The requirements for multiplication and division mental calculations in Grade 4 help students improve their techniques for working with natural numbers and applying these skills in everyday life. This article aims to identify several techniques for multiplication and division mental calculation in Grade 4, and to propose methods for developing students’ mental arithmetic skills.