Into Math Grade 3, Unit 3: Apply Multiplication and Division
In this unit, your child puts multiplication and division to work. Children solve word problems with one and two steps, find missing numbers in equations like 6 x ? = 54, and practice facts until they come quickly. It applies the meanings learned in the last unit, and the next unit moves on to fractions, which grow out of dividing a whole into equal parts.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 3?
- Reading word problems about equal groups, rows, or measurements and choosing multiplication or division to solve them. Learn more: Multiplying and dividing in story problems
- Finding the unknown number in equations like 6 x ? = 54 or 45 ÷ ? = 9, using related facts. Learn more: Finding the missing number, like 7 x ? = 56
- Recalling multiplication facts quickly and using them to divide within 100 without counting by ones. Learn more about knowing the times tables by heart: Knowing the times tables by heart · Learn more about dividing within 100
- Solving two-step word problems with any of the four operations and checking that the answer makes sense in the story. Learn more: Story problems with two steps
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
- Make up a store story: 'Juice boxes come in packs of 6. We need 30. How many packs?' Ask your child whether to multiply or divide, and why.
- Hide a number in a fact, like 'I'm thinking of a number that makes 28 when you multiply it by 4,' then let your child find it and make one up for you.
- Ask a two-step question at dinner, such as 'There are 3 rows of 5 rolls, and we eat 4. How many are left?' and talk through each step.
Where kids can get stuck
- Using every number in a word problem, even an extra detail that does not belong in the math.
- Dividing when the unknown comes first, so ? ÷ 3 = 6 gets 2 instead of 18.
- Giving an answer that makes no sense in the story, like more rolls left than there were to start.
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
- equation
- A number sentence with an equal sign showing two sides are the same amount.
- unknown
- The missing number in a problem, shown by a box, a question mark, or a letter.
- 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.
- related facts
- Facts that use the same numbers, like 6 x 7 = 42 and 42 ÷ 7 = 6.
- two-step problem
- A word problem that takes two calculations to solve.
- reasonable
- Making sense; close to what you would expect from an estimate.
Want to help your child master multiplication word problems?
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 3 cover?
Into Math Grade 3 Unit 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.