Grade 3 · Operations & Algebraic Thinking · MAT-03-OA-011
Solve One-Step Multiplication and Division Problems
Represent solve one-step multiplication and division problems with words, symbols, diagrams, or models appropriate to Grade 3.
Learning objectives
What you should be able to do
- Represent solve one-step multiplication and division problems with words, symbols, diagrams, or models appropriate to Grade 3.
- Solve problems involving solve one-step multiplication and division problems accurately and explain why the method works.
- Check results for reasonableness using a second representation, inverse relationship, benchmark, or property when appropriate.
Prerequisite check
Make sure the foundation is ready.
Checks conceptual readiness before new Grade 3 reasoning.
Checks whether prior skills are available for use, not only recalled by name.
Learn
Build the idea from meaning, not memorization.
Meaning of Solve One-Step Multiplication and Division Problems
Multiplication and division solve different equal-group questions depending on which quantities are known.
A reliable reasoning strategy
Identify whether the unknown is total, group size, or number of groups before choosing an operation.
Representations that should agree
Drawings, bar models, arrays, and equations should describe the same situation. A correct model, equation, verbal explanation, or diagram should preserve the same quantities and relationships.
How to check the result
Check whether the answer fits the quantities, units, and structure of the problem. Use a second representation or inverse relationship when available, and explain what would make an answer unreasonable.
Math Box · Interactive lesson
Touch the math. Change it. See what stays true.
Use the interactive model before and after the worked examples. Change the inputs, make a prediction, then use the model to test whether your reasoning holds.
Equation Balance
Adjust both sides. Equality means both expressions have the same value.
Balanced: both sides have equal value.
- build a model
- change one quantity
- predict before calculating
- explain why the result changes
Worked examples
Twenty different ways to see the concept work.
There are 4 trays with 6 muffins on each tray. How many muffins?
4 × 6 = 24Equal groups with an unknown total call for multiplication.
35 markers are shared equally among 5 teams. How many markers per team?
35 ÷ 5 = 7A known total and number of groups with unknown group size call for division.
A gardener plants 7 rows with 5 flowers in each row. How many flowers?
7 × 5 = 35Rows with equal amounts form a multiplication situation.
48 stickers are packed 6 per sheet. How many sheets are needed?
48 ÷ 6 = 8Grouping division finds how many groups of 6 fit in 48.
Nine boxes each hold 4 pencils. How many pencils are there?
9 × 4 = 36Multiply the number of equal boxes by pencils per box.
32 students form 4 equal teams. How many students are on each team?
32 ÷ 4 = 8Equal sharing uses division to find group size.
A theater has 6 rows of 8 seats. How many seats?
6 × 8 = 48Rows of equal size are represented by multiplication.
54 oranges are placed 9 in each bag. How many bags are filled?
54 ÷ 9 = 6Grouping division finds the number of bags.
Three buses carry 7 students each. How many students are riding?
3 × 7 = 21Three equal groups of seven make 21.
40 crayons are divided equally into 8 boxes. How many crayons per box?
40 ÷ 8 = 5Sharing equally among eight boxes gives five in each.
A baker places 5 cookies on each of 8 plates. How many cookies?
8 × 5 = 40Eight equal groups of five total 40.
63 beads are arranged in groups of 7. How many groups?
63 ÷ 7 = 9Nine groups of seven make 63.
Ten shelves each hold 6 books. How many books?
10 × 6 = 60Ten equal groups of six make 60.
72 cards are shared equally among 9 players. How many cards per player?
72 ÷ 9 = 8The total is split into nine equal groups.
A farmer fills 4 crates with 9 apples each. How many apples?
4 × 9 = 36Four equal groups of nine make 36.
28 cones are set out 4 per lane. How many lanes can be set up?
28 ÷ 4 = 7Grouping by four determines the number of lanes.
Eight tables each seat 3 students. How many students can sit?
8 × 3 = 24Eight equal groups of three make 24.
45 tiles are placed in 5 equal rows. How many tiles are in each row?
45 ÷ 5 = 9Equal sharing across five rows gives nine per row.
Two cartons each contain 10 juice boxes. How many juice boxes?
2 × 10 = 20Two equal groups of ten make 20.
56 game pieces are packed 8 to a bag. How many bags are needed?
56 ÷ 8 = 7Seven groups of eight use all 56 pieces.
Practice
Guided practice with hints
01There are 9 trays with 8 muffins on each tray. How many muffins?
Hint: Identify whether the unknown is total, group size, or number of groups before choosing an operation.
Answer: 72
024 markers are shared among 2 teams equally. How many markers per team?
Hint: Identify whether the unknown is total, group size, or number of groups before choosing an operation.
Answer: 2
03There are 3 trays with 4 muffins on each tray. How many muffins?
Hint: Identify whether the unknown is total, group size, or number of groups before choosing an operation.
Answer: 12
0424 markers are shared among 4 teams equally. How many markers per team?
Hint: Identify whether the unknown is total, group size, or number of groups before choosing an operation.
Answer: 6
05There are 5 trays with 8 muffins on each tray. How many muffins?
Hint: Identify whether the unknown is total, group size, or number of groups before choosing an operation.
Answer: 40
0612 markers are shared among 6 teams equally. How many markers per team?
Hint: Identify whether the unknown is total, group size, or number of groups before choosing an operation.
Answer: 2
Practice
Independent practice
01There are 5 trays with 8 muffins on each tray. How many muffins?
Answer: 40
0212 markers are shared among 6 teams equally. How many markers per team?
Answer: 2
03There are 7 trays with 4 muffins on each tray. How many muffins?
Answer: 28
0448 markers are shared among 8 teams equally. How many markers per team?
Answer: 6
05There are 9 trays with 8 muffins on each tray. How many muffins?
Answer: 72
064 markers are shared among 2 teams equally. How many markers per team?
Answer: 2
07There are 3 trays with 4 muffins on each tray. How many muffins?
Answer: 12
0824 markers are shared among 4 teams equally. How many markers per team?
Answer: 6
Common mistakes
Learn to catch the error, not just the answer.
Name what is known and unknown, then select the operation that matches the relationship.
Reconnect the answer to solve one-step multiplication and division problems and verify that the model, calculation, and label describe the same quantity.
Applications & challenge
Use the idea beyond a single exercise.
Applications
- Solve packing, sharing, seating, and equal-cost situations.
- Use solve one-step multiplication and division problems to interpret or solve a Grade 3 situation with quantities, diagrams, measurements, or data.
Challenge problems
There are 9 trays with 8 muffins on each tray. How many muffins?
72
4 markers are shared among 2 teams equally. How many markers per team?
2
There are 3 trays with 4 muffins on each tray. How many muffins?
12
24 markers are shared among 4 teams equally. How many markers per team?
6
Flashcards
Retrieve it from memory.
Flashcards
Card 1 of 4
Game mode
Solve One-Step Multiplication and Division Problems Challenge
Solve and explain Grade 3 problems involving solve one-step multiplication and division problems without relying on answer guessing.
Practice
Mastery check
01There are 5 trays with 8 muffins on each tray. How many muffins?
Answer: 40
0212 markers are shared among 6 teams equally. How many markers per team?
Answer: 2
03There are 7 trays with 4 muffins on each tray. How many muffins?
Answer: 28
0448 markers are shared among 8 teams equally. How many markers per team?
Answer: 6
05There are 9 trays with 8 muffins on each tray. How many muffins?
Answer: 72
064 markers are shared among 2 teams equally. How many markers per team?
Answer: 2
07There are 3 trays with 4 muffins on each tray. How many muffins?
Answer: 12
0824 markers are shared among 4 teams equally. How many markers per team?
Answer: 6
Terminology
Words to know
- situation equation
- An equation that represents the quantities in a word problem.
- unknown quantity
- The quantity the problem asks you to find.
Continue learning
Connected concepts
Curriculum references
Standards and instructional references
California Common Core State Standards for Mathematics — Grade 3, 3.OA.3
Primary standards alignment for Solve One-Step Multiplication and Division Problems.2023 Mathematics Framework for California Public Schools
Instructional emphasis on reasoning, representations, problem solving, and equitable access.