CCSS.Math.Content.3.NBT.A.3
The Standard
Multiply one-digit whole numbers by multiples of 10 in the range 10—90 (e.g., 9 × 80, 5 × 60) using strategies based on place value and properties of operations.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Number and Operations in Base Ten
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students multiply a one-digit number by a number such as 30 or 70. They treat the larger factor as groups of tens, multiply, then convert the result to a whole number.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can reason that 6 × 40 means 6 × 4 tens, or 24 tens, which equals 240. They can show the reasoning with an equation, words, or a quick drawing.
Common Misconceptions
- Some students find 6 × 40 = 24 because they ignore that 40 is four tens. Others write 2,400 because they attach two zeros after multiplying. Some confuse multiplication with addition and calculate 6 + 40.
How to Assess It
- Give the prompt: “Solve 7 × 60. Show with an equation or sketch why your answer makes sense.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Build six groups of four base-ten rods, count 24 tens, and record 6 × 40 = 240.
Students answer the prompt, “Why is 8 × 50 ten times 8 × 5?” in two sentences, then compare explanations.
Play Tens Product Match, pairing cards such as 7 × 60, 42 tens, and 420.
Present a school order of eight packs with 30 pencils each, then have students find and explain the total.
Free download
Printable 3.NBT.A.3 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.3.NBT.A.3, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetLearning progression
Where This Standard Sits
See the whole path on the Number & Operations in Base Ten progression map.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
- CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.B.2c
Multiplying 9 × 80 as 9 groups of 8 tens requires knowing 80 means eight tens and zero ones.
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.A.1
Interpreting multiplication as equal groups supports applying place value and properties to one-digit times multiples of 10.
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.B.5
Using commutative and associative properties helps rewrite 9 × 80 as 9 × 8 × 10 for place value multiplication.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.B.6
Add up to four two-digit numbers using strategies based on place value and properties of operations.
- CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.C.4
Add within 100, including adding a two-digit number and a one-digit number, and adding a two-digit number and a multiple of 10, using concrete models or drawing...
- CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.C.6
Subtract multiples of 10 in the range 10-90 from multiples of 10 in the range 10-90 (positive or zero differences), using concrete models or drawings and strate...
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.