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Integer Multiplication On The Number Line: Frog Model

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INTEGER MULTIPLICATION ON THE NUMBER LINE: FROG MODEL

  • Examine the first number you are multiplying. The absolute value of the first number tells you the length of each jump.
    • If the first of the two numbers you are multiplying is positive, face the frog rightwards, in the positive direction.
    • If the first of the two numbers is negative, face the frog leftwards, in the negative direction.
  • Examine the second number you are multiplying. The absolute value of the second number tells you the number of jumps to take.
    • If the second of the two numbers you are multiplying is positive, the frog will jump forwards, in the direction in which it is facing.
    • If the second of the two numbers is negative, the frog will jump backwards, in the opposite direction to which it is facing.
  • For the multiplication a × b: the length of each jump will be |a| steps, and the frog will jump |b| times.