Multiply and divide to solve word problems
Knowing 6 x 8 = 48 helps your child only when they can tell that a situation calls for it. Choosing the operation from the words of a story is what turns facts into problem solving. It sits behind two-step problems later this year, bigger multiplication and division in 4th grade, and the everyday math of rows, packs, shares, and measurements.
In this video, your child will learn to multiply and divide to solve word problems.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
The chairs are in 4 rows. Each row has 5 chairs. How many chairs are there?
Example 2
Jada has 42 meters of rope. She cuts it into pieces 6 meters long. How many pieces does she get?
Your child's turn
There are 45 crayons. They are shared equally into 5 boxes. How many crayons are in each box?
The three key steps
- 1Draw the story as a bar.
- 2Whole missing? Multiply.
- 3Know the whole? Divide.
Mistakes to listen for
- 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.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to multiplying and dividing in story problems →
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More 3rd grade Problem Solving, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice multiplying and dividing in story problems, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to multiplying and dividing in story problems has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice multiplying and dividing in story problems
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on multiplying and dividing in story problems and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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