i-Ready Classroom Mathematics Grade 3, Unit 1: Whole Number Operations (Multiplication Concepts)
In this unit, your child learns what multiplication and division mean, starting with equal groups and arrays. They share totals into equal groups, solve story problems, and use the order of factors to find facts more easily. Early facts like the 2s, 5s, and 10s begin to come quickly. Next come more strategies for multiplying and dividing.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 1?
- Showing multiplication with equal groups and arrays, and writing a times sentence for what they see, like 2 × 6 for an egg carton. Learn more: Multiplication as equal groups
- Using division to find how many are in each group, such as 20 markers shared among 5 cups, 4 in each. Learn more: Division as sharing into equal groups
- Solving equal-group stories by drawing a quick picture and writing an equation with a box for the unknown. Learn more: Multiplying and dividing in story problems
- Flipping an array to see that 4 × 7 and 7 × 4 both equal 28, so each fact learned gives two. Learn more: Shortcuts that make times tables easier
- Building speed with the 2s, 5s, and 10s first, and using them to divide, like 40 ÷ 5 = 8. 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
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
- Point out egg cartons or yogurt packs at the store and ask your child for the times sentence, such as 2 rows of 6 being 2 × 6 = 12.
- Put 20 markers or spoons into 5 cups so each cup has the same number, and ask your child how many are in each (4).
- Call out a 2s, 5s, or 10s fact on a walk and let your child answer, then let them quiz you back.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding the two numbers in an equal-group problem, so 4 groups of 7 becomes 11.
- Expecting the order trick to work for division too, so 20 ÷ 5 and 5 ÷ 20 seem equal.
- Leaving off what the answer counts, writing 28 instead of 28 chairs.
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
- equal groups
- Groups that each have the same number of things.
- array
- Things lined up in rows that all have the same number, like eggs in a carton.
- multiply
- To join equal groups to find how many in all.
- divide
- To split a total into equal groups or equal shares.
- factor
- A number multiplied by another number to make a product.
- product
- The answer when you multiply.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem.
- equation
- A math sentence showing two sides with the same value.
Want to help your child master multiplication concepts?
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 i-Ready Classroom Mathematics Grade 3 Unit 1 cover?
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics Grade 3 Unit 1 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 3.OA.A.1: Understand multiplication as equal groups, like 5 groups of 7.
- 3.OA.A.2: Understand division as sharing equally or making equal groups.
- 3.OA.A.3: Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems.
- 3.OA.B.5: Break numbers apart to multiply, like 4 × 7 = (4 × 5) + (4 × 2).
- 3.OA.C.7: Know the times tables by heart, and divide within 100.
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.