Students have a difficult time at first understanding the difference between multiplication and division word problems. This 3rd grade word problems unit includes EVERYTHING you need to teach multiplication and division word problems and aligns with 3.OA.3.
$7.00
Help your students make sense of word problems with this 3rd Grade Multiplication and Division Word Problems Unit!
Understanding when to multiply or divide can be tricky for third graders, so this resource breaks it down with visual strategies, real-world examples, and interactive practice.
This unit includes multiplication and division word problems worksheets, mini-lessons, and engaging math games to help students confidently identify which operation to use — even when problems include distractors or mixed operations.
With over 200 pages of materials, this unit provides everything you need to teach, practice, and review multiplication and division word problems in a fun, structured way.
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This multiplication and division word problems worksheets resource gives you everything you need for a full unit on problem-solving with all four operations:
Mini-Lesson for Interactive Notebooks:
Start your unit with a teacher-guided lesson and reference page students can glue into their notebooks. This page highlights keywords, context clues, and visual strategies to help students determine whether a problem requires multiplication or division. Photos and setup instructions are included to make modeling easy.
10 Word Problem Worksheets:
Students practice applying multiplication and division in a variety of real-world scenarios. These worksheets include:
Equal groups, arrays, and sharing problems
Mixed operation problems that challenge students to think critically
Opportunities to write and solve their own word problems
Review pages with addition and subtraction mixed in for comparison
Each worksheet includes a clear layout and answer key for quick grading or self-checking.
4 Error Analysis Pages:
Students analyze sample work to decide which problems were solved correctly and explain why. These are ideal for math talk, peer collaboration, and small-group discussion.
Four Corners Activity:
A movement-based whole-class game where students decide whether each problem is multiplication, division, addition, or subtraction. Students stand in the correct “corner” to represent their answer — perfect for reviewing all operations and strengthening reasoning skills.
Game #1: Football Game:
Set up your field and get ready for some math competition! Students move the football forward for correct answers and back for incorrect ones. All word problems focus on multiplication and division, with chance cards to add excitement and strategy.
Game #2: Build a Farm Game:
Players build their own farm scene piece by piece. Each correct answer earns a new item, and chance cards keep the game unpredictable. The first to complete their farm wins!
Game #3: Racing Game – “Line Them Up!”
Students race in teams to line up cards in the correct order from start to finish. This fast-paced game encourages accuracy and teamwork while practicing problem-solving.
Game #4: Monster Army:
Students build their own army of monsters by solving multiplication and division word problems. Each correct answer earns one monster card. The first to collect all six monsters wins!
Game #5: Whole-Class “Bucket Filler!” Game:
Post task cards around the room and let students solve problems while moving around. Correct answers get dropped into the class bucket — at the end, the teacher draws names for small prizes.
All games and activities are provided in color and black-and-white versions, making this unit flexible for both print and digital teaching environments.
This 3rd grade word problems unit can be used in many ways throughout the school year:
Guided instruction for introducing new word problem types
Small-group practice or centers for differentiation
Partner games during review weeks
Homework packets or test prep activities
Intervention support for struggling problem solvers
Whether you’re teaching whole class or in centers, these hands-on activities help students connect multiplication and division concepts to real-life scenarios.
This multiplication and division word problems worksheets unit aligns with multiple state and national standards:
Common Core:
3.OA.3 – Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities.
Texas TEKS:
3.4K – Solve one-step and two-step problems involving multiplication and division using models and strategies.
3.5B – Represent and solve one- and two-step multiplication and division problems within 100 using arrays, strip diagrams, and equations.
Florida B.E.S.T.:
MA.3.NSO.2.2 – Explore multiplication and related division facts.
MA.3.NSO.2.4 – Multiply and divide using related facts with reliability.
MA.3.AR.1.2 – Solve one- and two-step real-world problems involving all four operations.
Teachers love how this unit helps students go beyond memorizing facts to truly understanding when and why to multiply or divide. The multiplication and division word problems worksheets give students practice with real-world math situations, while the games make problem-solving exciting.
Students love activities like Football Game and Monster Army, where they get to move, compete, and collaborate while learning. Teachers appreciate the built-in structure, visuals, and clear explanations that save time during lesson planning.
Everything in this unit is standards-aligned, low-prep, and classroom-tested, making it a must-have for any 3rd grade math classroom.
This 3rd Grade Math Unit is part of a year-long bundle designed to make math instruction engaging and effective. Each unit combines hands-on practice, problem-solving, and games to help students build strong math reasoning skills and confidence.
• See All 3rd Grade Math Units
• 3rd Grade Math Classroom Transformations (Themed Learning Days Perfect for Review!)
• 3rd Grade Hands-On Math and Reading Activities
• 3rd Grade Math Mysteries
• 3rd Grade Math Task Cards
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