Saxon Math Grade 3, Section 2: Multiplication Concepts & Arrays
In this unit, your child learns multiplication as equal groups and arrays, rows and columns with the same number in each. They skip count, write times sentences, solve story problems, and see that switching factors keeps the product the same. Place value from the first unit helps, and division with fact families comes next.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Section 2?
- Writing an array of 4 rows of 5 as 4 × 5 = 20 and explaining what each number stands for. Learn more: Multiplication as equal groups
- Solving equal-group stories, such as 6 boxes with 3 pencils each, by drawing arrays and writing times sentences. Learn more: Multiplying and dividing in story problems
- Using the commutative property, switching the order of factors, and breaking arrays into smaller ones to find products. 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
- Line up coins or buttons in 4 rows of 5 on the table and ask your child for the times sentence and the total (20).
- Ask your child to find equal rows in a window, a muffin tin, or a bookshelf, and say the multiplication.
- Split an array of 6 rows of 7 into 6 rows of 5 and 6 rows of 2, and ask your child to add the two parts (30 + 12 = 42).
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding instead of multiplying, so an array of 4 rows of 5 gets written as 4 + 5.
- Breaking an array apart but forgetting one piece when adding them back together.
- Leaving off the label in a story answer, writing 18 instead of 18 pencils.
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
- array
- Things lined up in rows that all have the same number, like eggs in a carton.
- row
- A line of objects going across.
- column
- A line of objects going up and down.
- factor
- A number multiplied by another number to make a product.
- product
- The total you get by multiplying, like 12 in 3 × 4 = 12.
- equal groups
- Groups that all hold the same amount, like 3 plates with 4 crackers each.
- skip count
- To count forward by 2s, 5s, 10s, or another number.
- commutative property
- The rule that 3 × 5 and 5 × 3 give the same answer.
Want to help your child master multiplication and arrays?
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.
Join the club
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 Saxon Math Grade 3 Section 2 cover?
Saxon Math Grade 3 Section 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.