Into Math Grade 3, Unit 2: Multiplication and Division Concepts
In this unit, your child learns what multiplication and division mean. Multiplication joins equal groups, and division shares a total into equal groups. Children also use properties, like turning a fact around, to make facts easier. It builds on the adding and place value of the first unit, and the next unit applies these ideas to word problems and missing numbers.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 2?
- Describing multiplication as equal groups, so 3 x 5 means 3 groups of 5, and finding the product, the total. Learn more: Multiplication as equal groups
- Describing division as sharing equally, so 20 ÷ 4 means 20 shared into 4 equal groups, with 5 in each. Learn more: Division as sharing into equal groups
- Using properties to make facts easier, such as switching the order of the factors or breaking 8 x 6 into 5 x 6 plus 3 x 6. 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
- Set out equal groups at snack time, such as 4 plates with 3 crackers on each, and ask your child to say the multiplication fact that matches.
- Share a handful of berries or crackers among the family so everyone gets the same number, and talk about the division fact it shows.
- Turn a fact around while you wait somewhere: if 2 x 7 is 14, ask what 7 x 2 is, and sketch both as dots to see why they match.
Where kids can get stuck
- Making groups of different sizes and still multiplying, not seeing that every group must hold the same number.
- Sharing items unevenly, giving one person more than another, and still writing down an answer.
- Expecting the turn-around trick to work for division too, so 12 ÷ 3 and 3 ÷ 12 seem equal.
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, like 3 groups of 4 making 12.
- divide
- To split a total into equal groups or equal shares.
- equal groups
- Groups that each have the same number of things in them.
- array
- Objects arranged in equal rows and columns, like eggs in a carton.
- factor
- A number being multiplied, like 3 and 4 in 3 x 4 = 12.
- product
- The answer to a multiplication problem.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem.
- commutative property
- Changing the order of factors does not change the product: 3 x 5 = 5 x 3.
Want to help your child master multiplication and division?
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 Into Math Grade 3 Unit 2 cover?
Into Math Grade 3 Unit 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.