CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.A.4
The Standard
Determine the unknown whole number in a multiplication or division equation relating three whole numbers.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students find the missing value in multiplication and division equations, even when the blank appears in different positions. They use fact families, equal groups, arrays, or inverse operations to explain how they know.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student correctly solves equations such as 7 × □ = 42, □ ÷ 5 = 6, and 36 = 4 × □. The student checks each answer by substitution and explains the matching multiplication or division fact.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may treat the equal sign as a signal to calculate only what follows it. They may divide numbers in the order shown instead of finding the missing factor or dividend. Some confuse a missing factor with the product.
How to Assess It
- Give this exit ticket: Solve 9 × □ = 63, 8 = □ ÷ 4, and 54 ÷ 6 = □. Circle one equation and write a related fact that checks your answer.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Build 24 with counters in equal rows, then complete □ × 6 = 24 and 24 ÷ 6 = □.
Students write how 7 × □ = 35 and 35 ÷ 7 = □ are related, then compare explanations with a partner.
Play Missing Number Match with equation cards and answer cards, pairing each equation with its missing value.
Present 28 apples packed equally into 4 bags, and have students write two equations with blanks in different positions.
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Printable 3.OA.A.4 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.A.4, 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 Operations & Algebraic Thinking progression map.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.A.1
Understanding products as equal groups supports finding unknown products or factors in multiplication and related division equations.
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.A.2
Interpreting division situations supports understanding what the unknown represents in division equations, though equation solving can begin with fact families.
- CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.D.7
Relational equal sign understanding carries over when interpreting multiplication and division equations with the unknown in any position.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.B.7b
Interpret division of a whole number by a unit fraction, and compute such quotients.
- CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.D.8
Determine the unknown whole number in an addition or subtraction equation relating three whole numbers.
- CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.2
Solve word problems that call for addition of three whole numbers whose sum is less than or equal to 20, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a ...
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.B.4
Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication to multiply a fraction by a whole number.
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