Bridges in Mathematics Grade 3, Unit 2: Introduction to Multiplication
In this unit, your child moves from the idea of equal groups to the multiplication facts themselves. They build the 2s, 5s, and 10s first, use those to reach harder facts, and solve story problems, some with two steps. Next comes addition and subtraction with bigger numbers, where these problem-solving habits come along too.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 2?
- Solving story problems about bags of apples or rows of chairs by writing an equation, a number sentence with an equal sign. Learn more: Multiplying and dividing in story problems
- Finding the missing factor, one of the numbers being multiplied, in a sentence like 5 × ? = 35. Learn more: Finding the missing number, like 7 x ? = 56
- Learning the 2s, 5s, and 10s by heart first, then leaning on them to reach facts like 6 × 4. Learn more about knowing the times tables by heart: Knowing the times tables by heart · Learn more about dividing within 100
- Working through two-step story problems, such as buying 3 packs of 4 juice boxes and drinking 5, to find what is left. Learn more: Story problems with two steps
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Ravi finds 16 socks in the laundry. He puts them into pairs, with 2 socks in each pair. How many pairs does he make?
- 8
- 32
- 14
How you can help
- Ask a quick fact on a walk or ride, like 5 × 6, and let your child answer, then switch roles so they quiz you. Stick to the 2s, 5s, and 10s at first.
- Hide 3 equal piles of spoons under a towel, tell your child there are 15 spoons in all, and ask how many are in each pile. Lift the towel to check: 3 × 5 = 15.
- Make up a two-step story at the grocery store, such as 4 bags with 5 apples each and 3 apples eaten on the way home, and ask how many are left (17).
Where kids can get stuck
- Multiplying the two numbers shown in 5 × ? = 35 and writing 175 instead of 7.
- Counting up from zero by 5s for every fact, and losing count partway through a fact like 5 × 8.
- Stopping after the first step of a two-step problem, so the answer is 20 apples bought instead of 17 left.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- factor
- A number being multiplied.
- product
- The total you get by multiplying, like 12 in 3 × 4 = 12.
- equation
- A number sentence with an equal sign, like 6 × 4 = 24.
- unknown
- The number we are trying to find, shown by a box, a question mark, or a letter.
- skip count
- To count by the same amount each time, like 5, 10, 15, 20.
- two-step problem
- A word problem that needs two operations to solve.
- multiple
- A number you get by multiplying by a whole number, like 6, 12, and 18 for 6.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with multiplication facts?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
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Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Bridges in Mathematics Grade 3 Unit 2 cover?
Bridges in Mathematics Grade 3 Unit 2 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.