Saxon Math Grade 3, Section 3: Division Concepts & Fact Families
In this unit, your child learns division as sharing into equal groups and connects it to multiplication through fact families, sets of facts made from the same three numbers. They solve division by thinking of a times fact and work toward recalling multiplication and division facts quickly. Fractions, time, and measurement come next.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Section 3?
- Dividing a set into equal shares, such as 18 marbles among 3 friends, and writing 18 ÷ 3 = 6. Learn more: Division as sharing into equal groups
- Using fact families, like 3, 6, and 18, to solve a division by asking 3 times what makes 18. Learn more: Using times tables to divide
- Practicing multiplication and division facts within 100 until they come quickly, without counting. 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
A farmer has 24 carrots. If he puts 6 carrots in each basket, how many baskets will he fill?
- 4
- 6
- 18
How you can help
- Give your child three numbers like 4, 9, and 36, and ask them to say all four facts in the family while you fold laundry together.
- Share 18 grapes or crackers among 3 bowls one at a time and ask your child to say the division fact when they are done.
- Play a quick card game where each player flips two cards and the first to say the product keeps them, then try a division version.
Where kids can get stuck
- Recalling a fact that is close but wrong, such as answering 42 ÷ 6 with 6 without checking 6 × 6 = 36.
- Writing the numbers in a fact family in the wrong spots, such as 3 ÷ 18 = 6.
- Counting out every item one by one to divide instead of using a times fact.
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
- divide
- To split a total into equal groups or equal shares.
- fact family
- Four facts made from three numbers, like 3 × 6 = 18 and 18 ÷ 6 = 3.
- dividend
- The number being shared or split, like 20 in 20 ÷ 4.
- divisor
- The number you divide by, like 4 in 20 ÷ 4.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem.
- related facts
- Multiplication and division facts that use the same three numbers.
- product
- The number you get when you multiply two factors.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with division and fact families?
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 3 cover?
Saxon Math Grade 3 Section 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.