3rd Grade · Operations & Algebraic Thinking
3.OA.A.1: Understand multiplication as equal groups, like 5 groups of 7
3.OA.A.1 is a 3rd grade Common Core math standard in Operations & Algebraic Thinking. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Interpret products of whole numbers, e.g., interpret 5 x 7 as the total number of objects in 5 groups of 7 objects each. For example, describe a context in which a total number of objects can be expressed as 5 x 7.
In plain words
Understand multiplication as equal groups, like 5 groups of 7.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
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
Where students can get stuck
- Drawing 5 groups with a different number of things in each, not seeing that every group must be the same size.
- Adding the two numbers instead of multiplying, so 5 x 7 becomes 12.
- Swapping the number of groups and the size of each group, so a story for 3 x 6 turns into 6 bags of 3.
Effective teaching strategies
- Build equal groups with counters or drawings, and have students say how many groups and how many in each group before writing the multiplication sentence.
- Ask students to tell a story for 3 × 6 and another for 6 × 3, and compare which story has 3 bags of 6 and which has 6 bags of 3.
- Show a drawing with unequal groups and ask whether it shows multiplication, so students name why every group must be the same size.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 3.OA.A.1 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Bridges in Mathematics
enVision Mathematics
Everyday Mathematics
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Math Expressions
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Multiplication as equal groups for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice problem solving at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice 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 for every family.
See how it works for teachers
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.