Reveal Math Grade 3, Unit 3: Multiplication and Division Strategies
In this unit, your child learns strategies that make multiplication and division facts easier, such as turning a fact around or breaking a factor into smaller parts. Children use those facts to solve word problems and find unknown numbers. It builds on the meaning of multiplication and division from the last unit, and the next unit looks for patterns in the facts.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Unit 3?
- Solving word problems about equal groups and arrays by drawing a picture and writing a multiplication or division equation. Learn more: Multiplying and dividing in story problems
- Finding the unknown number in equations like ? x 4 = 36 or 27 ÷ 3 = ? by thinking of a related fact. Learn more: Finding the missing number, like 7 x ? = 56
- Using properties, rules that always work, to make facts easier, like turning 6 x 3 into 3 x 6 or splitting 7 x 6 apart. Learn more: Shortcuts that make times tables easier
- Building quick recall of facts within 100 by connecting harder facts to known ones, like doubling 3 x 8 to get 6 x 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
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
- Double a known fact together: if your child knows 4 x 6 = 24, ask how that helps with 8 x 6, then check by sketching 8 groups of 6 dots.
- Pose a word problem with something real: 'Eggs come 12 to a carton. How many cartons hold 36 eggs?' and ask whether to multiply or divide.
- Play 'mystery factor' on a walk or ride: 'I'm thinking of a number. Times 9, it makes 54. What is it?' Then let your child stump you.
Where kids can get stuck
- Breaking a factor apart but multiplying only one piece, so 6 x 7 becomes 6 x 5 + 2, giving 32 instead of 42.
- Splitting a number into awkward pieces, such as 7 into 3 and 4, which leaves the facts no easier.
- Spotting the word 'each' and always dividing, even when the story asks for a total and needs multiplying.
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
- The missing number in a problem, shown by a box, a question mark, or a letter.
- commutative property
- Changing the order of factors does not change the product: 3 x 5 = 5 x 3.
- distributive property
- Splitting a factor into parts, multiplying each, then adding: 7 x 6 is 5 x 6 plus 2 x 6.
- break apart
- Splitting a number into smaller parts to make a fact easier.
- related facts
- Facts that use the same numbers, like 6 x 7 = 42 and 42 ÷ 7 = 6.
- double
- To multiply by 2, or add a number to itself.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with multiplication strategies?
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 3 cover?
Reveal 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.