CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.B.6
The Standard
Understand division as an unknown-factor problem.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students rewrite a division equation as a multiplication equation with a missing factor. They find the missing factor and explain how the two equations are connected.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Given 42 ÷ 7, a student writes 7 × ? = 42 and finds 6. The student checks the answer by multiplying the divisor and quotient.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may switch the dividend and divisor, or write 42 ÷ 7 as 42 × ? = 7. Some rely only on skip-counting and do not see that a known multiplication fact gives the quotient.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Solve 35 ÷ 5 by writing a related multiplication equation. Explain in one sentence how the equation proves your answer.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs 24 counters and cups; have them place counters equally into 6 cups, then write 6 × ? = 24.
Ask, “How does 8 × 4 = 32 help you solve 32 ÷ 8?” Students write and compare explanations.
Play missing-factor match: students pair division cards with multiplication cards, such as 45 ÷ 9 and 9 × ? = 45.
Present 28 stickers shared among 4 students; students find each share using a missing-factor equation and explain the result.
Free download
Printable 3.OA.B.6 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.B.6, 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
Seeing multiplication as groups and total lets students read division as finding the missing group size or number of groups.
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.A.2
Interpreting a quotient as an unknown share or group count is needed before linking that quotient to a missing factor.
- CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.B.4
Seeing subtraction as a missing addend supports viewing division as a missing factor in related multiplication equations.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.B.7b
Seeing division as a missing factor supports interpreting how many unit fractions fit in a whole number.
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.OA.B.4
Seeing division as a missing factor helps students find factor pairs and test whether one number is a multiple of another.
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.B.6
Seeing division as a missing multiplication factor supports choosing quotient digits and checking remainders in multi-digit division.
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.C.7
Seeing division as a missing factor lets students use known multiplication facts to find related quotients fluently.
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