Zearn Math Grade 3, Mission 3: Multiplication and Division (0,1,6-9, 10s)
In this unit, your child finishes the times tables with the facts for 0, 1, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Children use properties to break hard facts into easier ones, find unknown numbers, solve two-step word problems, and spot patterns in the multiplication table. It returns to multiplication after the measuring unit, and the next unit uses these facts to find area.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Mission 3?
- Solving word problems with the 6s, 7s, 8s, and 9s, deciding whether each one calls for multiplication or division. Learn more: Multiplying and dividing in story problems
- Finding an unknown factor, a missing number being multiplied, in facts like 9 x ? = 63 or 56 ÷ ? = 7. Learn more: Finding the missing number, like 7 x ? = 56
- Breaking a hard fact into easier ones, such as 8 x 7 into 5 x 7 and 3 x 7, and using the rules for 0 and 1. Learn more: Shortcuts that make times tables easier
- Recalling all the multiplication and division facts within 100 quickly, including the 0s and 1s and the trickier 6s through 9s. 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 all four operations and writing an equation with a letter for the unknown. Learn more: Story problems with two steps
- Finding patterns in the multiplication table, such as the digits of the 9s facts adding to 9, and explaining why they work. Learn more: Spotting patterns in times tables
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
- Break a hard fact apart at dinner: for 6 x 8, ask your child to find 5 x 8 and 1 x 8 and add them, 40 plus 8.
- Tell a two-step story at the store: 'Muffins come 6 in a box. We buy 4 boxes and give away 9. How many are left?'
- Ask what happens when you multiply any number by 0 or by 1, using a quick example like 0 bags of 7 apples, and talk about why.
Where kids can get stuck
- Thinking any number times 0 is that number, mixing it up with adding 0, so 7 x 0 becomes 7 instead of 0.
- Multiplying the given numbers when a factor is missing, so 9 x ? = 63 gets 567 instead of 7.
- Blurring facts that sound alike, such as saying 6 x 8 is 42 or mixing up 7 x 8 and 7 x 6.
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.
- distributive property
- Splitting a factor into parts, multiplying each, then adding: 7 x 6 is 5 x 6 plus 2 x 6.
- related facts
- Facts that use the same numbers, like 6 x 7 = 42 and 42 ÷ 7 = 6.
- two-step problem
- A word problem that takes two calculations to solve.
- pattern
- Something that repeats or changes in a predictable way.
- multiple
- The product of a number and a whole number, like 12 for 4.
Want to help your child master all the times tables?
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 3 cover?
Zearn Math Grade 3 Mission 3 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
- 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.B.5: Break numbers apart to multiply, like 4 × 7 = (4 × 5) + (4 × 2).
- 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.
- 3.OA.D.9: Spot and explain number patterns, like 3, 6, 9, 12.
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.