Zearn Math Grade 3, Mission 1: Multiplication and Division (2-5, 10)
In this unit, your child is introduced to multiplication and division with the facts for 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10. Children see multiplication as equal groups and arrays, see division as sharing equally, find unknown numbers, and solve one- and two-step word problems. It opens third grade, and the next unit turns to place value, mass, and liquid volume.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Mission 1?
- Modeling multiplication with equal groups and arrays, so 3 x 4 means 3 rows or groups of 4. Learn more: Multiplication as equal groups
- Modeling division as sharing or grouping, so 20 ÷ 5 means 20 split into 5 equal groups, or into groups of 5. Learn more: Division as sharing into equal groups
- Solving word problems with the 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, and 10s by drawing equal groups and writing an equation. Learn more: Multiplying and dividing in story problems
- Finding the unknown number in facts like 4 x ? = 20 or ? ÷ 5 = 3, using what they know about equal groups. Learn more: Finding the missing number, like 7 x ? = 56
- Becoming quick with the multiplication and division facts for 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 through skip-counting and related facts. Learn more about knowing the times tables by heart: Knowing the times tables by heart · Learn more about dividing within 100
- Solving two-step word problems with these facts, such as finding how many are left after some equal groups are used up. Learn more: Story problems with two steps
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
- Skip-count by 2s, 5s, and 10s on a walk or ride, one number per step or streetlight, and stop to ask which multiplication fact you reached.
- Set out 4 bowls for a snack and share 20 crackers equally, then ask your child for the division fact and the multiplication fact that match.
- Tell a two-step story: 'We have 3 packs of 4 juice boxes and drink 5. How many are left?' and let your child explain each step.
Where kids can get stuck
- Adding the numbers instead of multiplying, so 3 groups of 4 becomes 3 + 4 rather than 3 x 4.
- Multiplying the two numbers shown when a factor is missing, so 4 x ? = 20 gets 80 instead of 5.
- Stopping after the first step of a two-step story, reporting the 12 juice boxes instead of how many are left.
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.
- factor
- A number being multiplied, like 3 and 4 in 3 x 4 = 12.
- product
- The answer to a multiplication problem.
- quotient
- The answer to a division problem.
- skip-count
- To count by a number other than 1, like 5, 10, 15, 20.
- unknown
- The missing number in a problem, shown by a box, a question mark, or a letter.
Want to help your child master multiplying and dividing?
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 Zearn Math Grade 3 Mission 1 cover?
Zearn Math Grade 3 Mission 1 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 3.OA.A.1: Understand multiplication as equal groups, like 5 groups of 7.
- 3.OA.A.2: Understand division as sharing equally or making equal groups.
- 3.OA.A.3: Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems.
- 3.OA.A.4: Find the missing number, like 7 × ? = 56 or ? ÷ 3 = 6.
- 3.OA.C.7: Know the times tables by heart, and divide within 100.
- 3.OA.D.8: Solve two-step word problems: add, subtract, multiply, or divide.
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.