Grade 3 Math Blog: Exploring Multiplication and Division!

In Grade 3, we have been busy building our understanding of multiplication and division in fun and meaningful ways! These important math skills help us make sense of numbers in real-life situations, like sharing, grouping, and counting faster.

We explored multiplication as repeated addition. For example, instead of adding 4 + 4 + 4, we learned we can write it as 3 × 4. This means “3 groups of 4.” This helps us solve problems more efficiently and recognize patterns in numbers.

We also practiced skip counting to strengthen our multiplication skills. By counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s (and beyond!), students began to see how numbers grow in equal steps. This strategy supports quick recall of multiplication facts and builds number sense.

Another exciting way we learned was through arrays. Arrays are arrangements of objects in rows and columns. For example, 3 rows of 5 dots help us see that 3 × 5 = 15. Arrays help students visualize multiplication and understand how numbers are organized.

We connected this learning to equal-sized groups, where students created and solved problems like: “If there are 4 groups with 6 apples in each group, how many apples are there in total?” This helps students understand multiplication as combining equal groups.

To build strong division skills, we explored division in a variety of ways. Students learned that division can mean:

  • Sharing equally (partitive division): for example, sharing 12 cookies among 3 friends means each friend gets 4

  • Grouping (quotative division): for example, making groups of 4 from 12 cookies results in 3 groups

We used concrete materials like counters and drawings to help us divide into equal groups. Students also practiced using arrays to “turn multiplication around” and see division. For example, if 3 × 5 = 15, then 15 ÷ 3 = 5.

We also used number lines to model both multiplication and division. By making equal jumps forward, students practiced multiplication. By making equal jumps backward or counting how many jumps it takes to reach a number, students explored division. This visual tool helps deepen understanding of how numbers relate to each other.

An important part of our learning has been understanding related facts and fact families. A fact family is a group of math facts that use the same numbers. For example, with the numbers 3, 4, and 12, we can create a fact family:

  • 3 × 4 = 12

  • 4 × 3 = 12

  • 12 ÷ 3 = 4

  • 12 ÷ 4 = 3

We also practiced finding the missing fact. This means solving equations where one number is unknown, such as:

  • 5 × ___ = 20

  • ___ ÷ 4 = 3

Students used strategies like skip counting, related facts, fact families, and equal grouping to figure out the missing number. This helps build strong problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of how numbers are connected.

Learning these related facts helps students see the strong connection between multiplication and division. It also helps them check their work and build fluency with basic facts.

These learning experiences connect directly to the Alberta Mathematics Curriculum, where students are expected to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of multiplication using concrete materials and visual representations

  • Demonstrate an understanding of division as sharing and grouping

  • Recognize and apply related facts and fact families

  • Solve for unknown numbers in equations

  • Connect multiplication and division to real-life situations

We are so proud of how students are using different strategies to solve problems, explain their thinking, and build confidence in math. Keep practicing at home by looking for groups, arrays, and opportunities to skip count and share equally in everyday life!

Happy counting! 😊

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