Integer multiplication can be modeled using groups of items or with a number line. The reference video models multiplication using groups and a number line.
Modeling with Groups
Integer multiplication can be seen as repeated addition. When multiplying integers, you can represent the problem as groups of items and then count the total. The sign of the integers determines whether you're adding positive or negative groups.
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Example: If you have 3 groups of positive 2, you can model this by representing each group of 2 with yellow counters (representing positive integers). You then count up all the yellow counters.
- 3 groups of 2 means 3 * 2 = 6. Since all the counters are yellow (positive), the answer is positive 6.
Modeling with a Number Line
A number line can also visually represent integer multiplication. Each integer is represented by its corresponding position on the number line.
