enVision Mathematics Grade 3, Topic 2: Multiplication Facts: Use Patterns
In this unit, your child learns the first multiplication facts by looking for patterns. The 2s are doubles, the 5s end in 5 or 0, the 10s end in 0, and multiplying by 0 or 1 follows simple rules. Switching the order of factors doubles what they know. Next, the harder facts for 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 build on these.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 2?
- Solving story problems that use 2s, 5s, 9s, and 10s, such as counting the fingers in 4 gloves (20). Learn more: Multiplying and dividing in story problems
- Switching the order of factors, the numbers being multiplied, so knowing 2 × 9 also gives 9 × 2. Learn more: Shortcuts that make times tables easier
- Learning the facts for 0, 1, 2, 5, 9, and 10 by heart, such as 0 × 8 = 0 and 1 × 8 = 8. Learn more about knowing the times tables by heart: Knowing the times tables by heart · Learn more about dividing within 100
- Spotting patterns in the multiplication table, like every 5s product ending in 5 or 0, and explaining why they happen. Learn more: Spotting patterns in times tables
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
- Skip count by 5s together while climbing stairs, and ask what your child notices about the last digit and why it only ends in 5 or 0.
- Count shoes in pairs around the house: 1 pair is 2, 2 pairs are 4, 3 pairs are 6. Ask why the total is always even.
- Show the 9s on your hands: hold up 10 fingers, fold down the fourth, and read 3 fingers before it and 6 after, so 9 × 4 = 36.
Where kids can get stuck
- Thinking any number times 0 equals that number, so 0 × 8 becomes 8 instead of 0.
- Trusting a pattern after a few examples, such as deciding every multiple of 3 is odd after 3, 9, and 15.
- Describing a pattern only by how it looks, saying it goes up by 5 without explaining why.
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 multiplied by another number to make a product.
- product
- The total you get by multiplying, like 12 in 3 × 4 = 12.
- pattern
- Something that repeats or changes by a rule we can describe.
- even number
- A number that can be split into two equal groups, like 8 = 4 + 4.
- odd number
- A number that cannot be split into two equal whole-number groups.
- multiple
- A number in a skip-counting list, like 4, 8, and 12 for 4.
- commutative property
- The rule that 3 × 5 and 5 × 3 give the same answer.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with multiplication patterns?
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.
Join the club
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 enVision Mathematics Grade 3 Topic 2 cover?
enVision Mathematics Grade 3 Topic 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.