Equal Groups Math Definition

As students begin their multiplication journey, they are often excited and want to jump right into working with the numbers. As teachers, we know that there is some groundwork that needs to be laid first before this step. You may have taught your students how to use arrays, skip counting or repeated addition to find the product of a multiplication expression. Another method is teaching students how to use equal groups. Looking for a simple way to explain this concept to your students? Check out a simple definition to use in your classroom.

Equal groups refer to sets or collections where each group contains the same number of items. When we multiply, we add together equal-sized groups to determine the total.

Equal Groups Multiplication Strategy Practice

Teach Starter has created a printable matching activity to help your students make the connection between equal group models, a multiplication fact and its corresponding product. This teacher-created resource includes 12 model cards, 12 multiplication fact cards and 12 product cards. As students work through this multiplication activity, they will create a match of 3 cards and record their answers on their recording sheet.

We’ve also included an answer key with this download to make grading quick and easy!

How to Get Your Equal Groups Multiplication Activity

If you are ready to add this matching activity to your collection of multiplication resources, head on over to the green download button! Here you will find the quick-print PDF file, available in both color and black and white. There is also an editable Google Slides file to choose from.

To prepare this activity for your students, consider printing the matching cards on cardstock and laminating them for durability. Store the pieces in a bag or envelope. Print a recording sheet for each student to use during the activity.

This resource was created by Brittany Kellogg, a teacher in Ohio and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

More Multiplication Resources for You!

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities to shorten your lesson planning time:  

teaching resource

Equal Groups Multiplication Worksheets

Reinforce how to relate equal group models and multiplication with this printable worksheet pack.

teaching resource

Equal Groups Multiplication Task Cards

Highlight how to use equal groups to solve multiplication problems with this set of 24 task cards.

teaching resource

Equal Groups Multiplication Activity

Engage your students with a hands-on activity to practice making equal groups to represent multiplication.