Let’s solve each problem one by one. We’ll read carefully, figure out what operation to use (multiplication or division), write the number sentence, and then solve it.
---
Problem 1: Setting the Table
Mike’s mom is setting the table for dinner. She puts one knife, one fork, and one spoon at each place setting. There are 8 people coming to dinner. How many pieces of silverware will Mike need to set the table?
→ Each person gets 3 pieces: 1 knife + 1 fork + 1 spoon = 3 pieces per person.
→ There are 8 people.
→ So we multiply: 8 × 3 = ?
Let’s calculate:
8 × 3 = 24
✔ Number sentence: 8 × 3 = 24
✔ Answer: 24 pieces of silverware
---
Problem 2: Birthday Presents
Sarah has six cousins. On her birthday, each cousin gave her two presents. How many total presents did Sarah receive from her cousins?
→ 6 cousins, each gives 2 presents.
→ Multiply: 6 × 2 = ?
6 × 2 = 12
✔ Number sentence: 6 × 2 = 12
✔ Answer: 12 presents
---
Problem 3: Class Teams
Mrs. Campbell’s class will be playing a game in the morning. The class must be divided into teams of four students. If there are 28 students in the class, how many teams will there be?
→ Total students: 28
→ Each team has 4 students.
→ We divide: 28 ÷ 4 = ?
28 ÷ 4 = 7
✔ Number sentence: 28 ÷ 4 = 7
✔ Answer: 7 teams
---
Problem 4: Stars, Stars, Stars!
Emily wants to make a poster about outer space. She can cut eight stars out of each piece of paper. If she needs 56 stars, how many pieces of paper will she need in order to cut all 56 stars?
→ Each piece of paper makes 8 stars.
→ She needs 56 stars total.
→ Divide: 56 ÷ 8 = ?
56 ÷ 8 = 7
✔ Number sentence: 56 ÷ 8 = 7
✔ Answer: 7 pieces of paper
---
Final Answer:
Problem 1: 24
Problem 2: 12
Problem 3: 7
Problem 4: 7
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of 3rd grade division word problems.
