Calculate the Product: Solving 480 × 3 Step by Step

Q: Why break down 480 instead of just multiplying directly?

Breaking down 480 into 400 + 80 makes the calculation much easier! It's harder to make mistakes with round numbers like 400 × 3 = 1200 than with the full 480 × 3.

Q: Can I break down the number differently?

Absolutely! You could use 480 = 300 + 180 or 480 = 500 - 20. Choose the breakdown that feels easiest for you to calculate mentally.

Q: Is this method faster than regular multiplication?

For many students, yes! The distributive property breaks big problems into smaller, easier steps. With practice, you'll find which method works best for you.

Q: Do I always need to show the breakdown?

In homework and tests, showing your work helps you avoid mistakes and lets your teacher see your thinking. Even if you can do it mentally, writing steps prevents errors!

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Let's use the distributive law

00:13 Let's break down 480 into 400 plus 80

00:21 Let's multiply each factor separately, then add

00:23 Let's solve each multiplication and then sum

00:33 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

1

Understand the problem

$480\times3=$

2

Step-by-step solution

In order to simplify the resolution process, we begin by breaking down the number 480 into a smaller addition exercise:

$(400+80)\times3=$

We then multiply each of the terms within the parentheses by 3:

$(400\times3)+(80\times3)=$

Lastly we solve the exercises inside the parentheses and obtain the following:

$1200+240=1440$

3

Final Answer

1440

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Break down larger numbers into smaller, manageable parts
Technique: Use distributive property: (400 + 80) × 3 = 1200 + 240
Check: Verify by adding final terms: 1200 + 240 = 1440 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Multiplying only part of the number
Don't multiply just 480 × 3 = 1440 without showing work or multiply only 400 × 3 = 1200 and forget the 80! This leads to incomplete or wrong answers. Always break down the entire number and multiply each part separately, then add all results.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 140-70= $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why break down 480 instead of just multiplying directly?

+

Breaking down 480 into 400 + 80 makes the calculation much easier! It's harder to make mistakes with round numbers like 400 × 3 = 1200 than with the full 480 × 3.

Can I break down the number differently?

+

Absolutely! You could use 480 = 300 + 180 or 480 = 500 - 20. Choose the breakdown that feels easiest for you to calculate mentally.

What if I get a different answer when I check my work?

+

If your check doesn't match, look for these common errors:

Forgetting to multiply one of the parts
Making addition mistakes at the end
Miscalculating one of the smaller multiplications

Is this method faster than regular multiplication?

+

For many students, yes! The distributive property breaks big problems into smaller, easier steps. With practice, you'll find which method works best for you.

Do I always need to show the breakdown?

+

In homework and tests, showing your work helps you avoid mistakes and lets your teacher see your thinking. Even if you can do it mentally, writing steps prevents errors!

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Calculate the Product: Solving 480 × 3 Step by Step

Multiplication with Distributive Property

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