Multiplying with properties

How to help

Break the harder factor into two easier ones, multiply each part, then add: 3 × 7 = 3 × 5 + 3 × 2 = 15 + 6 = 21.

• commutativeswitching the order: 3 × 2 = 2 × 3
• distributivebreak a number apart, multiply each part, add
• associativemultiply any two first: (5 × 2) × 5
• factora number being multiplied

Watch for: Multiplying only one of the parts after breaking a factor apart. Adding the parts before multiplying them. Changing a number when switching the order.

At home: When a fact like 6 × 8 is hard, ask what they already know that's close: 5 × 8 = 40, then one more 8.

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.5 · Use turn-around facts and grouping to multiply.

Also: Maryland 2025 3.NOS.C.4 · Texas TEKS 3.4G · Florida B.E.S.T. MA.3.AR.1.1 · Virginia SOL 3.CE.2

Drill sheets for more practice

• Multiplication facts

More grade 3 sheets: operations & algebraic thinking

• Equal groups
• Sharing equally
• Multiplication and division stories
• Missing factors
• Division as a missing factor
• Times tables
• Two-step story problems
• Patterns in tables