Story problems solved by multiplying or dividing. Your child decides which the story needs, writes an equation with a box for the unknown, and solves it.
If the story puts equal groups together, multiply. If it splits a total into equal groups, divide. Write the equation, then solve it.
equationa number sentence with an equals sign
unknownthe number you're finding, shown by a box
multiplyput equal groups together
dividesplit into equal groups
Watch for: Multiplying every story, even when a total is being split. Leaving off the unit: the answer is 18 space snacks, not just 18. Writing a division in the wrong order (3 ÷ 18).
At home: Make up quick stories at dinner: 4 plates with 3 carrots each is how many carrots? Then flip it: 12 carrots shared on 4 plates?
Sample sheet and answer key
Luna's Space Adventure
Grade 3 · Multiplication and division stories · 3.OA.A.3
NameDate
Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!
Story problems
Write an equation for each, then solve.
1
Nova has 5 trays with 3 moon rocks in each tray. How many moon rocks does Nova have?
moon rocks
2
Max shares 24 space snacks equally among 8 bags. How many space snacks go in each bag?
space snacks
3
Zed lines up space snacks in 4 rows with 7 in each row. How many space snacks is that?
space snacks
4
Nova packs 32 space snacks into bags of 4. How many bags does Nova fill?
bags
5
Orion has 2 packs with 2 star stickers in each pack. How many star stickers does Orion have?
star stickers
Sheet
Luna's Space Adventure
Grade 3 · Multiplication and division stories · 3.OA.A.3
Answer key
Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!
Story problems
Write an equation for each, then solve.
1
Nova has 5 trays with 3 moon rocks in each tray. How many moon rocks does Nova have?
5 × 3 = 15
15moon rocks
2
Max shares 24 space snacks equally among 8 bags. How many space snacks go in each bag?
24 ÷ 8 = 3
3space snacks
3
Zed lines up space snacks in 4 rows with 7 in each row. How many space snacks is that?
4 × 7 = 28
28space snacks
4
Nova packs 32 space snacks into bags of 4. How many bags does Nova fill?
32 ÷ 4 = 8
8bags
5
Orion has 2 packs with 2 star stickers in each pack. How many star stickers does Orion have?
2 × 2 = 4
4star stickers
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.
