Bridges in Mathematics Grade 3, Unit 5: Multiplication Division & Area
In this unit, your child connects multiplication to area, the amount of flat space a shape covers. They count square tiles, then see that a rectangle 3 squares by 7 squares covers 3 × 7 = 21 squares. Division and times-table practice continue alongside. The work with shapes here leads into geometry next, where sides and corners take center stage.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 5?
- Solving story problems about rows of tiles, trays, and boxes by choosing multiplication or division. Learn more: Multiplying and dividing in story problems
- Building quick recall of facts such as 6 × 7 and 8 × 4, and using them to divide. Learn more about knowing the times tables by heart: Knowing the times tables by heart · Learn more about dividing within 100
- Understanding area as how many same-size squares cover a shape with no gaps or overlaps. Learn more: Area: how much flat space a shape covers
- Counting square units, such as square inches or square centimeters, to measure the area of a shape. Learn more: Finding area by counting squares
- Finding a rectangle's area by multiplying its length by its width, so 3 rows of 7 squares make 21. Learn more: Finding the area of a rectangle
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
- Cover a placemat with crackers or sticky notes edge to edge, with no gaps, and count them together. If it takes 15, the area is 15 crackers.
- Look at a chocolate bar or a sheet of stickers in rows and ask how many squares there are without counting each one, such as 4 rows of 6 making 24.
- Turn a moment at the table into a quick story problem, like 24 grapes shared among 4 plates, and ask your child how many each plate gets (6).
Where kids can get stuck
- Leaving gaps or overlaps when covering a shape with tiles, then counting anyway.
- Adding the length and width instead of multiplying, so a 6 by 4 rectangle gets an area of 10 instead of 24.
- Writing 24 inches instead of 24 square inches, not yet seeing that area counts squares.
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
- area
- How much flat space a shape covers.
- square unit
- The unit we use to measure area.
- unit square
- A square with sides 1 unit long; it has an area of 1 square unit.
- length
- How long one side of a shape is.
- width
- How wide a shape is; the length of its other side.
- array
- Things lined up in rows that all have the same number, like eggs in a carton.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with connecting multiplication to area?
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 5 cover?
Bridges in Mathematics Grade 3 Unit 5 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 3.OA.A.3: Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems.
- 3.OA.C.7: Know the times tables by heart, and divide within 100.
- 3.MD.C.5: Understand area: how many squares it takes to cover a flat shape.
- 3.MD.C.6: Find the area of a shape by counting squares.
- 3.MD.C.7: Find the area of a rectangle by multiplying its length and width.
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.