Mathematics
Grade 3
15 min
Multiply three or more numbers
Multiply three or more numbers
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Multiply three single-digit numbers in any order.
Use parentheses to show which numbers are multiplied first.
Demonstrate that the order of grouping factors does not change the product (Associative Property).
Group numbers strategically to make multiplication easier (e.g., finding pairs that make 10).
Solve one-step word problems that require multiplying three numbers.
Explain the two-step process for multiplying three numbers.
Imagine you have 2 boxes, and each box has 3 bags of 4 shiny marbles. How many marbles do you have in total? 💎
In this lesson, you will learn a special trick to multiply three numbers together, not just two! This is like creating a multiplication chain. Mastering this skill will help you solve bigger and more exciting math proble...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
FactorA number that is multiplied with another number to get a product.In the problem 2 x 3 = 6, the numbers 2 and 3 are factors.
ProductThe answer you get when you multiply numbers together.In the problem 2 x 3 = 6, the number 6 is the product.
MultiplyTo combine equal groups to find the total amount.3 x 4 means you have 3 groups of 4.
Parentheses ()Symbols used in a math problem to show which part you should do first.In (2 x 3) x 4, you solve 2 x 3 first because it's in the parentheses.
GroupingChoosing a pair of factors to multiply first in a problem with three or more factors.In 2 x 3 x 4, you can group (2 x 3) first or (3 x 4) first.
Associative Property of MultiplicationA special rule in math that says you can change how you group the factors and the produ...
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Core Formulas
The Two-Step Process
a \times b \times c = (\text{Step 1: } a \times b) \rightarrow \text{Product}_1 \rightarrow (\text{Step 2: } \text{Product}_1 \times c) \rightarrow \text{Final Product}
To multiply three numbers, you can't do it all at once. First, multiply any two of the numbers. Then, take their product and multiply it by the third number to get your final answer.
Associative Property of Multiplication
(a \times b) \times c = a \times (b \times c)
This rule is your superpower! It means you can choose which pair of numbers to multiply first. You can group the first two numbers or the last two numbers. The final product will be exactly the same.
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Challenging
If you solve (5 x 2) x 6, what is the final product, AND which rule says 5 x (2 x 6) must give the same answer?
A.The product is 60, and the rule is the Grouping Property.
B.The product is 32, and the rule is the Parentheses Property.
C.The product is 60, and the rule is the Associative Property of Multiplication.
D.The product is 13, and the rule is the Addition Property.
Challenging
A student tried to solve 3 x 2 x 5. They got the wrong answer of 25. What was their most likely mistake?
A.They multiplied 3 x 5 = 15, then added 2 to get 17.
B.They added 3 + 2 = 5, then multiplied 5 x 5 = 25.
C.They multiplied 2 x 5 = 10, then forgot to multiply by 3.
D.They added all the numbers: 3 + 2 + 5 = 10.
Challenging
Which of the following problems has a product of 24?
A.6 x 2 x 2
B.3 x 3 x 3
C.5 x 2 x 2
D.4 x 2 x 4
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