⚽ GOAL! Odd and Even Products in Multiplication

Finding patterns in mathematics is always a light bulb moment for young mathematicians. Identifying arithmetic patterns and explaining them using properties of operations is linked in the curriculum and a topic that needs to be practised over and over again before it clicks.

This fun and engaging interactive activity focuses on odd and even products from multiplication sums. The activities include:

• Sorting multiplication sums into odd or even field sides based on the sum. 
• Matching sums on soccer balls to either the odd goal or even goal,
• Matching sums on soccer balls to the correct answer on the soccer players and then giving them the ‘odd’ trophy or ‘even’ trophy.
• More problem-solving style questions.

Tips for Introducing Multiplication Patterns with Odd and Even Numbers

1. Multiplication of Even Numbers: Begin with multiplication of even numbers. Show students that when you multiply two even numbers (e.g., 2 x 4 or 6 x 8), the result is always an even number. This is because even numbers can be expressed as 2n, where ‘n’ is a whole number.
2. Multiplication of Odd Numbers: Next, explore the multiplication of odd numbers. Demonstrate that the result is always an odd number when you multiply two odd numbers (e.g., 3 x 5 or 7 x 9). This can be shown algebraically as (2n + 1) x (2m + 1) = 2k + 1, where ‘n,’ ‘m,’ and ‘k’ are whole numbers.
3. Multiplication of Odd and Even Numbers: Highlight the pattern that emerges when multiplying odd and even numbers. Explain that when you multiply an even number by an odd number, the result is always an even number (e.g., 2 x 3 = 6). Conversely, when you multiply two odd numbers or an even number by an even number, the result is always even.

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This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a Teach Starter Collaborator.