3rd Grade · Operations & Algebraic Thinking
3.OA.A.3: Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems
3.OA.A.3 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
Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.
In plain words
Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems.
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
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
Where students can get stuck
- Choosing an operation from a key word, such as dividing whenever they see "each," even when the story needs multiplication.
- Using every number in the problem, so an extra detail like the days in a week ends up in the calculation.
- Leaving off what the answer counts, writing 48 instead of 48 plants, and losing track of what it means.
Effective teaching strategies
- Ask students to draw an equal-groups picture or an array for each story problem before they choose an operation.
- Have students underline the question and cross out any number the story does not need, then explain why they kept the rest.
- Require an answer with its unit, such as 48 plants, and ask students to check that it makes sense in the story.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 3.OA.A.3 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
Eureka Math
Eureka Math²
Everyday Mathematics
Go Math!
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 Multiplying and dividing in story problems 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.