Multiplication Strategies

Grade 3 · Math · Study Guide

Explore different strategies to solve multiplication problems, including skip counting, arrays, and the distributive property.

Multiplication is a fast way to add equal groups. There are several strategies you can use to multiply.

Skip counting means counting by a number over and over. To find 4 × 3, skip count by 3 four times: 3, 6, 9, 12. The answer is 12.

An array is a set of objects arranged in rows and columns. A 3-row, 5-column array shows 3 × 5 = 15. Arrays make it easy to see why multiplication works.

The commutative property says you can multiply in any order: 4 × 6 = 6 × 4 = 24. This means if you know 6 × 4, you already know 4 × 6!

The distributive property lets you break a big multiplication into smaller parts. For example, 7 × 6 = (7 × 5) + (7 × 1) = 35 + 7 = 42. Breaking apart numbers makes tricky facts easier.

Doubling is another strategy: if you know 4 × 6 = 24, then 8 × 6 = 48 (just double 24). Practice these strategies and multiplication facts will become automatic.

Key terms

Multiplication
Combining equal groups; repeated addition. 3 × 4 means 3 groups of 4.
Array
Objects arranged in equal rows and columns to show multiplication.
Commutative property
The order of factors does not change the product: a × b = b × a.
Distributive property
Breaking a multiplication into two smaller multiplications: a × (b + c) = (a × b) + (a × c).
Factor
A number that is multiplied by another number in a multiplication problem.
Product
The answer to a multiplication problem.

Flashcards

Skip counting by 6
6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60
Skip counting by 7
7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70
Array: rows × columns
A 3 × 4 array has 3 rows and 4 columns = 12 total objects.
Commutative property example
5 × 9 = 9 × 5 = 45. Flip the factors, same product.
Distributive property: 8 × 7
(8 × 5) + (8 × 2) = 40 + 16 = 56
Doubling strategy
Know 3 × 8 = 24? Then 6 × 8 = 48 (double 24).
Zero property
Any number times 0 equals 0. Example: 9 × 0 = 0.
Identity property
Any number times 1 equals that number. Example: 7 × 1 = 7.

Questions

  1. What is 6 × 7?

    1. 36
    2. 42
    3. 48
    4. 54
    Show answer

    Answer: 42

    6 × 7 = 42. You can skip count by 6 seven times: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42.

  2. 3 × 8 gives the same answer as 8 × 3.

    Show answer

    Answer: True

    This is the commutative property: the order of factors does not change the product. 3 × 8 = 8 × 3 = 24.

  3. Using the distributive property, 6 × 8 = (6 × 5) + (6 × ?)

    1. 2
    2. 3
    3. 4
    4. 8
    Show answer

    Answer: 3

    8 = 5 + 3. So 6 × 8 = (6 × 5) + (6 × 3) = 30 + 18 = 48.

  4. An array has 4 rows and 9 columns. The total number of objects is ___.

    Show answer

    Answer: 36

    4 rows × 9 columns = 4 × 9 = 36 objects total.

  5. Skip count by 7 four times: 7, 14, 21, ___.

    1. 27
    2. 28
    3. 29
    4. 30
    Show answer

    Answer: 28

    4 × 7 = 28. Skip counting by 7: 7, 14, 21, 28.

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