Equal groups
There are 4 bags with 6 apples in each bag. Altogether there are 24 apples.
4 groups of 6 apples
Equal groups usually point to multiplication.
Year 3
Solve problems, including missing number problems, involving multiplication and division
Use grouping, arrays, scaling and table facts to solve one-step and two-step multiplication and division problems.
Lesson overview
Number - multiplication and division
Multiplication problems often involve equal groups, repeated rows or scaling up. Division problems often involve sharing or grouping. Table facts help us work out the answer more quickly.
Sharing
24 stickers shared between 4 children gives 6 each.
24 shared into 4 equal groups
Sharing equally is a division idea.
Missing number
__ x 4 = 32 means the missing number is 8.
Use the inverse to find the missing factor.
Worked example
A hall has 8 rows of 4 chairs. How many chairs are there?
8 rows of 4 chairs
- Notice that the chairs are in equal rows.
- Use multiplication: 8 x 4.
- 8 x 4 = 32.
- So there are 32 chairs.
Try it
Look for equal groups, sharing or a missing factor before choosing the operation.
Question 1
There are 3 trays with 8 muffins on each tray. How many muffins are there?
Question 2
32 sweets are shared between 4 children. How many sweets does each child get?
Question 3
Find the missing number: __ x 3 = 24
Question 4
A ribbon is 4 times as long as a 6 cm piece. How long is it?
Question 5
Which operation fits 'shared equally'?
multiply
divide
Common mistakes
Watch for these when working through the lesson.
- Using addition instead of multiplication for equal groups.
- Forgetting to divide equally in a sharing problem.
- Not using the inverse to solve a missing number.
Related topics
These ideas fit closely with this lesson.
- Recall and use multiplication and division facts for the 3, 4 and 8 multiplication tables.
- Multiply two-digit and one-digit numbers using practical resources and formal written layout.