Grade 3 Multiplication Equal Groups Worksheet | California Common Core 3.OA.A.1

Instructions

1. Remember: multiplication means equal groups. The first number tells how many groups. The second number tells how many are in each group.
2. Use counters, small drawings, or circles to help you.
3. For drawing problems, draw the same number in every group.
4. For multiplication sentences, use the form: number of groups × number in each group = total.
5. All totals are 24 or less. A starred problem is an optional challenge: try it without using counters first.

Example: 3 bags with 2 gems in each bag means 3 equal groups of 2.

3 × 2 = 6

1. Draw Equal Groups

Draw circles or pictures to show the equal groups in each story. Then write the total.

1. A knight sets up 4 tents with 3 knights in each tent. Draw 4 equal groups. How many knights are there altogether?

Drawing space:

Number sentence: 4 × 3 = __

2. A castle has 3 towers with 4 flags on each tower. Draw 3 equal groups. How many flags are there altogether?

Drawing space:

Number sentence: 3 × 4 = __

3. Five knight wagons each carry 2 shields. Draw 5 equal groups. How many shields are there altogether?

Drawing space:

Number sentence: 5 × 2 = __

2. Write the Multiplication Sentence

Look at each described picture. Count the equal groups and the objects in each group. Write a multiplication sentence.

4. Picture: There are 3 groups. Each group has 2 helmets.

○ ○ | ○ ○ | ○ ○

Multiplication sentence: __ × __ = __

5. Picture: There are 4 groups. Each group has 3 apples for the castle kitchen.

○ ○ ○ | ○ ○ ○ | ○ ○ ○ | ○ ○ ○

Multiplication sentence: __ × __ = __

6. Picture: There are 2 groups. Each group has 6 dragon books in the castle library.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ | ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Multiplication sentence: __ × __ = __

3. Match Repeated Addition to Multiplication

Match each repeated-addition sentence to the multiplication sentence that means the same thing. Write the matching letter on the line.

7. 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = __

Matching multiplication sentence: __

A. 3 × 4 = 12

B. 5 × 2 = 10

8. 4 + 4 + 4 = __

Matching multiplication sentence: __

A. 3 × 4 = 12

B. 5 × 2 = 10

Hint: Count how many addends there are. That is the number of groups.

4. Knights-and-Castles Word Problems

Show your thinking with a drawing, repeated addition, or a multiplication sentence. Then write the answer.

9. Four knights stand guard at each of 3 castle gates. How many knights are guarding the gates altogether?

Thinking space:

Answer: __ knights

10. A castle has 6 rooms. Each room has 3 candles. How many candles are in the castle altogether?

Thinking space:

Answer: __ candles

Answer Key

1. Draw 4 equal groups of 3 knights. 4 × 3 = 12 knights.
2. Draw 3 equal groups of 4 flags. 3 × 4 = 12 flags.
3. Draw 5 equal groups of 2 shields. 5 × 2 = 10 shields.
4. 3 groups of 2: 3 × 2 = 6.
5. 4 groups of 3: 4 × 3 = 12.
6. 2 groups of 6: 2 × 6 = 12.
7. 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 10; matching sentence: B, 5 × 2 = 10.
8. 4 + 4 + 4 = 12; matching sentence: A, 3 × 4 = 12.
9. 3 groups of 4 knights: 3 × 4 = 12 knights.
10. 6 groups of 3 candles: 6 × 3 = 18 candles.