enVision Mathematics Grade 3, Topic 4: Use Multiplication to Divide
In this unit, your child learns to divide by thinking about multiplication. To solve 32 ÷ 8, they ask what number times 8 makes 32, and fact families show how three numbers link four facts. Story problems mix sharing and grouping. Next, the goal shifts to speed and accuracy with multiplication and division together.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Topic 4?
- Solving sharing and grouping stories, such as 30 pencils packed in boxes of 6, and writing a division equation to match. Learn more: Multiplying and dividing in story problems
- Treating 32 ÷ 8 as a missing-factor question, 8 times what makes 32, to find the quotient, the answer in division. Learn more: Using times tables to divide
- Dividing within 100 by recalling the matching times fact, like using 7 × 9 = 63 to solve 63 ÷ 9. Learn more about knowing the times tables by heart: Knowing the times tables by heart · Learn more about dividing within 100
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 division as times questions on a walk, such as what times 6 makes 30, then say the division fact together: 30 ÷ 6 = 5.
- Give your child three numbers like 3, 7, and 21 and ask them to say all four facts in the family while you set the table.
- Pack snack bags together with 24 pretzels and 6 in each bag, and ask how many bags you need before you start filling them (4).
Where kids can get stuck
- Counting down one at a time from the larger number instead of thinking of a times fact.
- Writing a fact family with numbers in the wrong spots, such as 4 ÷ 32 = 8.
- Recalling a close but wrong fact, such as answering 54 ÷ 9 with 7, without checking that 7 × 9 is 63.
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
- divide
- To split a total into equal groups or equal shares.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem.
- fact family
- A group of related multiplication and division facts made from the same three numbers.
- unknown factor
- The missing number in a multiplication problem, like the ? in 8 × ? = 32.
- related facts
- Multiplication and division facts that use the same three numbers.
- inverse
- Operations that undo each other, like multiplication and division.
- dividend
- The total being divided.
- divisor
- The number you divide by; it can be the number of groups or the size of each group.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with division 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 enVision Mathematics Grade 3 Topic 4 cover?
enVision Mathematics Grade 3 Topic 4 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.