3rd Grade · Operations & Algebraic Thinking
3.OA.A.2: Understand division as sharing equally or making equal groups
3.OA.A.2 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 whole-number quotients of whole numbers, e.g., interpret 56 ÷ 8 as the number of objects in each share when 56 objects are partitioned equally into 8 shares, or as a number of shares when 56 objects are partitioned into equal shares of 8 objects each. For example, describe a context in which a number of shares or a number of groups can be expressed as 56 ÷ 8.
In plain words
Understand division as sharing equally or making equal groups.
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
A farmer has 24 carrots. If he puts 6 carrots in each basket, how many baskets will he fill?
- 4
- 6
- 18
Where students can get stuck
- Sharing items out unevenly, giving one friend more than another, and still writing down an answer.
- Treating 56 ÷ 8 and 8 ÷ 56 as the same, the way order does not matter in multiplication.
- Mixing up whether the answer means how many in each group or how many groups there are.
Effective teaching strategies
- Share a pile of counters one at a time among a set number of cups, and have students say how many ended up in each cup.
- Make equal groups of a set size from the same pile and ask how many groups there are, so students see both kinds of division side by side.
- Have students write two division stories for 56 ÷ 8, one sharing equally and one making groups of 8, and check each by multiplying back.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 3.OA.A.2 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 Division as sharing into 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.