Math Expressions Grade 3, Unit 2: Multiplication and Division 6-8
In this unit, your child takes on the harder multiplication and division facts for 6, 7, and 8. Children solve word problems, find unknown numbers in equations, and look for patterns in the multiplication table. It builds directly on the easier facts from the last unit, and the next unit uses those facts in measurement, time, and graphs.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 2?
- Solving word problems that use the 6s, 7s, and 8s, such as finding how many chairs are in 7 rows of 8. Learn more: Multiplying and dividing in story problems
- Finding the unknown factor in equations such as 8 x ? = 48 or 42 ÷ ? = 6 by thinking of a related fact. Learn more: Finding the missing number, like 7 x ? = 56
- Gaining speed with the 6s, 7s, and 8s, using known facts like 5 x 7 to work out 6 x 7. Learn more about knowing the times tables by heart: Knowing the times tables by heart · Learn more about dividing within 100
- Finding patterns in the multiplication table, such as every product of 6 being even, and explaining why they happen. Learn more: Spotting patterns in times tables
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
- Practice one hard fact a day, such as 7 x 8, by saying it together at breakfast, on the way out the door, and again at bedtime.
- Build from a known fact: if your child knows 5 x 8 = 40, ask how that helps find 6 x 8, which is just one more group of 8.
- Look at a calendar together and ask which dates are multiples of 7, and why they all land on the same day of the week.
Where kids can get stuck
- Confusing facts that look alike, such as mixing up 7 x 8 and 7 x 6.
- Multiplying the two numbers shown, so 8 x ? = 48 gets an answer of 384 instead of 6.
- Reading a row of the multiplication table as a column, then describing a pattern that is not there.
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
- factor
- A number being multiplied, like 3 and 4 in 3 x 4 = 12.
- product
- The answer to a multiplication problem.
- unknown factor
- The missing number being multiplied, like the ? in 6 x ? = 42.
- multiplication table
- A grid showing the products of numbers in its rows and columns.
- multiple
- The product of a number and a whole number, like 12 for 4.
- pattern
- Something that repeats or changes in a predictable way.
- even number
- A number that can be split into two equal groups, ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8.
- related facts
- Facts that use the same numbers, like 6 x 7 = 42 and 42 ÷ 7 = 6.
Want to help your child master harder times tables?
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 Math Expressions Grade 3 Unit 2 cover?
Math Expressions 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.