Division as a missing factor

How to help

Turn the division into a missing factor: 12 ÷ 4 = ? becomes 4 × ? = 12. The multiplication fact gives the answer.

• quotientthe answer to a division
• fact familyfacts that use the same three numbers
• related facta multiplication that checks a division
• unknownthe number you're finding

Watch for: Using a multiplication fact with a different total. Swapping the numbers so the division no longer matches the fact. Guessing instead of checking with multiplication.

At home: Say a fact like 4 × 3 = 12 and ask for the two divisions it answers: 12 ÷ 4 and 12 ÷ 3.

Sample sheet and answer key

New problems every time, three levels (gentle, core and stretch), themes to pick from, a second page if you want one. Each sheet comes with an answer key and a one-page guide for grown-ups.

Standard

Common Core 3.OA.B.6 · Think of division as finding a missing factor.

Also: Maryland 2025 3.NOS.C.5 · Texas TEKS 3.4J · Florida B.E.S.T. MA.3.AR.2.1 · Virginia SOL 3.CE.2

Drill sheets for more practice

• Division facts
• Missing factors

More grade 3 sheets: operations & algebraic thinking

• Equal groups
• Sharing equally
• Multiplication and division stories
• Missing factors
• Multiplying with properties
• Times tables
• Two-step story problems
• Patterns in tables