3.OA.3: Multiplication and Division Word Problems

Visual Models to Use

• Equal Groups - Draw circles to represent groups, then draw dots inside each circle to show how many in each group. Example: 4 × 3 = 12 (4 circles with 3 dots in each)
• Arrays - Draw rows and columns of dots or squares. Example: 5 × 6 = 30 (5 rows with 6 dots in each row)
• Number Line Jumps - Draw a number line and show equal jumps. Example: 3 × 4 = 12 (Start at 0, make 3 jumps of size 4)
• Bar Models - Draw rectangles to represent the total, then divide into equal parts. Example: 20 ÷ 4 = 5 (One long rectangle divided into 4 equal parts)

Everyday Activities

1. Grocery Store Math

At the store, ask: "If apples cost $2 per pound and we buy 3 pounds, how much will we spend?" or "If a 12-pack of juice costs $8, how much does each juice cost?"

2. Recipe Scaling

When cooking, practice doubling or halving recipes: "If the recipe calls for 3 cups of flour and we're doubling it, how much do we need?" or "If we need 8 tablespoons of butter for a full recipe but we're making half, how much do we need?"

3. Card Game: Multiplication War

Play with a deck of cards. Each player flips two cards and multiplies them. Highest product wins the round.

4. Word Problem Challenge

Take turns creating word problems for each other using objects around your home. For example: "If each person needs 2 napkins and we have 5 people for dinner, how many napkins do we need total?"

Strategies When Your Child Struggles

1. Use the 4-Step Method

Teach your child to follow these steps for any word problem:

• Understand: What is the problem asking?
• Plan: Should I multiply or divide?
• Solve: Write and solve the equation
• Check: Does my answer make sense?

2. Highlight Key Words

Have your child highlight words that signal multiplication (each, every, times) or division (share equally, per, how many in each).

3. Draw It Out

For any problem, start by drawing a simple picture before trying to solve with numbers.

4. Real Objects

Use small objects (cereal, coins, buttons) to physically model the problem.

5-Minute Practice Activities

1. Story Problem Creation

Give your child a multiplication or division equation (like 6 × 4 = 24 or 24 ÷ 6 = 4) and have them create a word problem to match it.

2. Real-Life Problems

Create problems using everyday situations:

"If each pizza has 8 slices and we have 3 pizzas, how many slices do we have?"

"If 24 cookies need to be shared equally among 6 friends, how many cookies does each friend get?"

3. Missing Number Puzzles

Give word problems with missing numbers:

"If each box has 5 pencils and there are ___ boxes, there are 20 pencils total. How many boxes are there?"

Mid-Year Expectations

By the middle of third grade, your child should be able to:

• Identify when to use multiplication vs. division in simple word problems
• Solve basic multiplication word problems within 100
• Solve basic division word problems within 100
• Draw pictures or use objects to represent word problems

End-of-Year Expectations

By the end of third grade, your child should be able to:

• Confidently determine whether to multiply or divide in various problem contexts
• Solve multiplication and division word problems within 100 accurately
• Represent word problems using equations with a symbol for the unknown
• Explain their problem-solving process using mathematical language
• Check if their answers make sense in the context of the problem

Mastery Signs

Your child has mastered this standard when they can:

• Independently solve a variety of multiplication and division word problems
• Correctly identify the operation needed without prompting
• Write equations that match the word problem situation
• Use multiple strategies to solve problems
• Create their own word problems for given equations
• Apply these skills to real-world situations outside of math class

Below Grade Level

For students who need additional support with basic multiplication and division concepts.

Download Practice Worksheet

At Grade Level

For students who are working at the expected level for this standard.

Download Grade Level Worksheet

Above Grade Level

For students who are ready for more challenging multiplication and division word problems.

Download Challenge Worksheet