Mathematics
Grade 3
15 min
Multiply one-digit numbers by two-digit numbers: word problems
Multiply one-digit numbers by two-digit numbers: word problems
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the key numbers and question in a multiplication word problem.
Determine when multiplication is the correct operation to solve a word problem.
Set up a multiplication equation from a word problem.
Use strategies like partial products or the distributive property to multiply a one-digit number by a two-digit number.
Solve one-step multiplication word problems.
Write the final answer with the correct units or labels.
If you have 3 boxes of crayons and each box has 24 crayons, how many crayons do you have in all? 🖍️ Let's find out!
In this lesson, we'll become math detectives! We will read stories, find the important numbers, and use multiplication to solve real-life puzzles. This will help us understand how math is used all around us.
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
MultiplicationA fast way to do repeated addition. It's used when you combine equal groups to find a total.3 groups of 5 is the same as 5 + 5 + 5, or 3 x 5 = 15.
FactorThe numbers that are multiplied together in a multiplication problem.In the equation 4 x 12 = 48, the numbers 4 and 12 are the factors.
ProductThe answer to a multiplication problem.In the equation 4 x 12 = 48, the number 48 is the product.
Equal GroupsGroups that have the exact same number of items in each one.4 bags with 6 apples in each bag are equal groups.
Word ProblemA math question that is written as a short story or a real-life situation.Leo has 5 fish tanks. Each tank has 11 fish. How many fish does Leo have in total?
Distributive PropertyA strategy where you break apart one factor to make...
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Core Formulas
The Word Problem Equation
(Number of Groups) \times (Number in Each Group) = Total
Use this to set up your equation from the story. Look for keywords like 'each', 'every', or 'per' to find the number that goes in each group.
The Distributive Property (Breaking Apart)
a \times (b + c) = (a \times b) + (a \times c)
This is a great strategy for multiplying larger numbers. Break the two-digit number into its tens and ones. For example, to solve 7 x 23, break 23 into 20 + 3. Then multiply 7 x 20 and 7 x 3 and add the results.
Partial Products Method
a \times (10b + c) = (a \times 10b) + (a \times c)
This is another way to think about breaking apart the two-digit number. You multiply the one-digit number by the tens place value, then by the on...
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
To solve 4 x 52, Ben calculated 4 x 5 = 20 and 4 x 2 = 8. He wrote the answer as 208. What was Ben's mistake?
A.He forgot that the '5' in 52 is actually 50, so he should have multiplied 4 x 50.
B.He should have added 4 + 52.
C.He multiplied in the wrong order.
D.His multiplication of 4 x 5 is incorrect.
Challenging
A problem asks: "How many wheels are on 18 tricycles if each tricycle has 3 wheels?" Sam answered 21. What did Sam likely do wrong?
A.He correctly multiplied 18 x 3.
B.He subtracted 3 from 18.
C.He added the numbers 18 and 3 instead of multiplying.
D.He did not include the units in his answer.
Challenging
The school library has 6 shelves with 24 books on each shelf. The art room has 8 tables with 18 art supplies on each table. Which statement is true?
A.Both rooms have the same number of items.
B.The library has more books than the art room has supplies.
C.The art room has more supplies than the library has books.
D.The library has 140 books.
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