Using the Factor Strategy: Large Multiplication Worksheets gives your students practical, structured experience in using one of the most flexible multiplication strategies. Designed to help students break large numbers into smaller, manageable parts, this resource builds both conceptual understanding and procedural fluency through scaffolded tasks and real examples.

These worksheets support learners as they apply the factor strategy to simplify multiplication problems. By breaking numbers into smaller factors and multiplying progressively, students are encouraged to think strategically and explore multiple ways to reach a solution. The clear format and worked examples make the resource ideal for independent work, small groups or targeted strategy instruction.

Whether you’re introducing the factor strategy for the first time or reinforcing it as part of your multiplication toolkit, this resource provides meaningful opportunities for practice, reflection and extension. It’s especially effective when used alongside explicit modelling, making it a valuable addition to any upper primary maths program.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Apply the factor strategy to simplify multiplication problems
• ✅ Break down numbers into known factors for efficient solving
• ✅ Develop fluency with multi-step multiplication
• ✅ Build flexibility and confidence when selecting strategies
• ✅ Show working clearly and explain mathematical reasoning

What’s Included:

• 3 differentiated worksheets targeting a range of number sizes:
• Worksheet 1: One- and two-digit numbers
• Worksheet 2: Two- and three-digit numbers
• Worksheet 3: Two- and four-digit numbers
• Worked examples to guide students through each step of the factor strategy
• Answer key for teacher use, peer marking or self-assessment

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheets (A4 for individual work, A3 for collaborative sessions)
• Pencils, highlighters or markers to track factor breakdowns
• Optional: mini whiteboards for recording and comparing strategies

How to Use:

• Begin with whole-class modelling of how to break down numbers into factors
• Guide students to identify suitable factor pairs and multiply in steps
• Assign differentiated worksheets to suit student needs or rotate through across the week
• Encourage students to show working clearly and explain their method verbally or in writing

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use after an explicit lesson on multiplication strategies as independent reinforcement
• 💡 Incorporate into small group instruction or maths workshop rotations
• 💡 Include in a strategy folder or reference pack to support revision before assessments
• 💡 Use as a pre-assessment tool to determine student readiness for larger multiplication concepts

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Discuss multiple ways to factor the same number to promote flexible thinking
• 💛 Encourage students to use colour or arrows to map out each multiplication step
• 💛 Pair students for peer coaching or discussion to compare strategies
• 💛 Use the answer key not just for checking, but as a tool for guided corrections

This worksheet set is a powerful companion to our Strategies for Large Multiplication Posters, giving your students practical opportunities to apply what they’ve learned and deepen their understanding of multiplication through strategic thinking and hands-on problem solving.