Vocabulary

Factors- numbers being multiplied.

Sets- a group of items.

Integers – whole numbers and their opposites.

Concepts

Modeling a given situation with colored counters.

Rules

1. Positive integers are represented by yellow counters, negative integers are represented by red counters.
2. Adding a set of counters is a positive factor and removing a set of counters is a negative factor.

Example

Select the multiplication problem that is modeled below.

Take out 3 sets of 2 negatives

Solution

Taking out 3 sets mean a factor of -3 is represented by the 3 crossed-off sets. Sets of 2 negatives mean a factor of -2, represented by the pairs of red counters.

So, the correct answer choice is -3 x -2.

Pre-requisite Skills

Integers and Absolute Value (7.3.1)