3rd Grade Mathematics — Multiplication and Division — God's Order in Numbers
Students will solve real-world word problems using multiplication and division.
Jesus told a story about a man who wanted to build a tower. Before he started, he sat down and counted the cost. Math helps us plan, solve problems, and make wise decisions — just as Jesus taught!
When you see a word problem, first decide: is this multiplication or division? If you are combining equal groups, multiply. If you are splitting into equal groups or finding how many groups, divide.
Here is a multiplication problem: 'A farmer plants 6 rows of corn with 8 stalks in each row. How many corn stalks are there?' We multiply: 6 × 8 = 48 corn stalks.
Here is a division problem: 'A church has 36 Bibles to share equally among 9 classrooms. How many Bibles does each classroom get?' We divide: 36 ÷ 9 = 4 Bibles each.
Some problems need both operations! 'Mom bakes 24 cookies and divides them into 4 bags. Then she buys 3 more bags with 6 cookies each. How many cookies does she have in all?' First: 24 ÷ 4 = 6 per bag. Then: 3 × 6 = 18 more. Total: 24 + 18 = 42 cookies.
Write and solve three word problems of your own — one using multiplication, one using division, and one using both. Trade with a classmate and solve each other's problems.