3.5.D
The Standard
determine the unknown whole number in a multiplication or division equation relating three whole numbers when the unknown is either a missing factor or product
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students find a missing number in a multiplication or division equation. They decide whether the unknown represents the total, the number of groups, or the amount in each group.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students accurately solve equations such as 7 × __ = 56 and __ ÷ 6 = 8. They use related multiplication and division facts to check each answer.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may multiply every pair of numbers they see, even when they need to divide. They may confuse the unknown product with an unknown group size or number of groups.
How to Assess It
- Give an exit ticket with 6 × __ = 42, __ × 8 = 32, and 45 ÷ 5 = __. Ask students to solve and show one related fact.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Use counters and cups to model 24 objects split into unknown groups, then write the matching multiplication and division equations.
Ask students to explain how 6 × __ = 42 and 42 ÷ 6 = __ are related.
Play Missing Number Match with cards showing equations, answers, and related fact families for students to pair.
Present a packing problem with equal boxes and items, then have students find the missing total, box count, or items per box.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
- 5.4.B
represent and solve multi-step problems involving the four operations with whole numbers using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity
- 6.3.B
determine, with and without computation, whether a quantity is increased or decreased when multiplied by a fraction, including values greater than or less than ...
- 3.4.J
determine a quotient using the relationship between multiplication and division
- 1.5.F
determine the unknown whole number in an addition or subtraction equation when the unknown may be any one of the three or four terms in the equation
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.