Go Math! Grade 3, Chapter 3: Understand Multiplication
In this unit, your child learns what multiplication means. They count equal groups, skip count on a number line, and build arrays, rows and columns of objects. They see that changing the order of factors gives the same product and that multiplying by 1 or 0 follows simple rules. Next, they use strategies to learn more facts.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Chapter 3?
- Writing equal groups as multiplication, so 3 bags of 4 apples becomes 3 × 4 = 12. Learn more: Multiplication as equal groups
- Solving equal-group problems by drawing a picture, skip counting on a number line, or making an array. Learn more: Multiplying and dividing in story problems
- Using the commutative property, switching factors, and the rules for 1 and 0, such as 1 × 6 = 6 and 0 × 6 = 0. Learn more: Shortcuts that make times tables easier
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
Hana has 3 plates with 5 strawberries on each plate. She writes 3 × 5. What does 3 × 5 tell her?
- How many strawberries there are in all
- How many strawberries are on each plate
- How many plates she has
How you can help
- Look at a muffin tin, window panes, or an egg carton and ask your child to tell you the times sentence for the rows.
- Skip count by 3s or 4s together on a walk, taking one step per number, and stop now and then to ask how many groups you have counted.
- Make up a story at snack time, such as 4 plates with 3 strawberries each, and ask your child to show it as an array and solve it.
Where kids can get stuck
- Drawing groups of different sizes and still calling it multiplication, so the total does not match the fact.
- Thinking 0 × 6 is 6, mixing up the rules for 0 and 1.
- Losing track of how many groups have been counted when skip counting, so 5 × 3 becomes 18.
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
- multiply
- To find the total of equal groups.
- equal groups
- Groups that each have the same number of things.
- factor
- A number multiplied by another number to make a product.
- product
- The answer when you multiply.
- array
- Things lined up in rows that all have the same number, like eggs in a carton.
- skip count
- To count by the same amount each time, like 5, 10, 15, 20.
- commutative property
- You can switch the order of the factors and get the same product.
- zero property
- The rule that any number times 0 equals 0.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with what multiplication means?
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 Go Math! Grade 3 Chapter 3 cover?
Go Math! Grade 3 Chapter 3 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.