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Common Core Math3rd GradeOperations & Algebraic Thinking

3.OA.3: Solve Multiplication and Division Word Problems

Also written as 3.OA.A.3 and CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.A.3 · Cluster: Represent and solve problems involving multiplication and division.

Make 3.OA.3 Word ProblemsAll 25 3rd Grade Math Standards

The Official Wording

Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

Common Core State Standards, Grade 3, Operations & Algebraic Thinking · Read it at the source · Checked October 14, 2026

What 3.OA.3 Means in Plain English

Third graders read a story and work out what is hidden: the total, the number of groups, or the size of each group. They sketch it and write an equation with a letter for the unknown, so 48 chairs in 6 equal rows becomes 6 × c = 48.

The stories come in three shapes: equal groups like bags of apples, arrays like rows of chairs, and measurements like a 40-centimeter ribbon cut into 5-centimeter pieces. Fourth grade adds comparison problems such as “3 times as many” (4.OA.2).

3.OA.3 I Can Statements

  • I can draw a picture that matches a multiplication or division story.
  • I can write an equation with a letter for the unknown.
  • I can solve group, array and measurement problems within 100.

3.OA.3 Worked Example

One array story with the total known and the row length hidden, which is where most 3rd graders first stall.

6 groups of 8
Six rows of chairs with eight in each. The story gave 48 chairs and 6 rows, and the drawing finds the row length.
6 × c = 48, so c = 8

Mr. Ortiz sets out 48 chairs for the class play in 6 equal rows. How many chairs go in each row? Write 6 × c = 48 (or 48 ÷ 6 = c), draw the rows, and place chairs until all 48 are used: c = 8 chairs in each row.

Common Mistakes with 3.OA.3

Adding the numbers in the story

48 chairs in 6 rows: 48 + 6 = 54 chairs in each row

Try this: Have students sketch the story first, then ask whether one row can hold more chairs than the whole room has.

Multiplying when the total is given

“24 cookies packed 4 to a bag. How many bags?” answered 24 × 4 = 96

Try this: Circle the total first. When the story gives it, the unknown is the number of groups or the size of each, so divide.

Losing the units

“A 32-foot rope is cut into 4 equal pieces. How long is each?” answered “8 pieces”

Try this: Have students label every number with its unit: 32 feet ÷ 4 pieces = 8 feet in each piece.

Where 3.OA.3 Fits

Comes Before2.OA.1Solve one- and two-step addition and subtraction word problems within 100.2.OA.4Write an array’s total as a sum of equal addends, like 4 + 4 + 4.
Alongside3.OA.4Find the missing number in a fact like 6 × ? = 48.3.MD.2Solve one-step word problems with grams, kilograms and liters.
Comes Next3.OA.8Solve two-step word problems with all four operations.4.OA.2Solve comparison word problems, like a red hat costs 3 times as much as a blue one.

Practice 3.OA.3

Word Problem GeneratorFree ToolEqual-group, array and measurement stories within 100, with an answer key. Ask for a sketch and an equation with a letter before any answer.Multiply and divideWithin 100Answer key
Make Word Problems

Quick Check

  1. A baker puts 7 muffins in each box and fills 5 boxes. How many muffins is that?
  2. A garden has 36 tomato plants in 4 equal rows. How many plants are in each row?
  3. A 40-centimeter ribbon is cut into pieces 5 centimeters long. How many pieces?

3.OA.3: Other Names

3.OA.33.OA.A.3CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.A.3

Common Core State Standards © Copyright 2010. National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers. All rights reserved. Official wording from the Common Core State Standards PDFs at corestandards.org, last checked October 14, 2026. The explanation, I can statements, example, mistakes and practice on this page are EMStudio’s own, written beside the official wording. They are not part of the standard.