Reveal Math Grade 3, Unit 2: Multiplication and Division Concepts
In this unit, your child meets multiplication and division as big ideas. Multiplication puts together equal groups, and division splits a total into equal groups. Children use pictures, arrays, and jumps on a number line to show both. It follows the place value work of the first unit, and the next unit adds strategies that make facts faster.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 2?
- Showing multiplication as equal groups, arrays, and equal jumps on a number line, so 4 x 3 means 4 groups of 3. Learn more: Multiplication as equal groups
- Showing division as sharing equally or making equal groups, so 15 ÷ 3 can mean 3 shares with 5 in each. Learn more: Division as sharing into equal groups
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 for equal groups at the store, such as yogurt in packs of 4 or juice boxes in packs of 6, and ask how many are in 3 packs.
- Hand your child 20 crackers to share among 4 plates, then among 5 plates, and talk about how each share changes.
- Arrange forks, spoons, or socks in rows and columns and ask your child to write a multiplication fact that matches the array.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding instead of multiplying, writing 4 + 3 for 4 rows of 3 chairs rather than 4 x 3.
- Treating 15 ÷ 3 and 3 ÷ 15 as the same, the way order does not matter in multiplication.
- Drawing groups with different numbers of things in each, not seeing that every group must be 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.
- product
- The answer to a multiplication problem.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem.
- number line
- A line with numbers marked in order at equal spaces.
- factor
- A number being multiplied, like 3 and 4 in 3 x 4 = 12.
Want to help your child master multiplication and division basics?
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 Reveal Math Grade 3 Unit 2 cover?
Reveal 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.