Division vs. Multiplication Word Problems for 3rd Graders

Maria introduces division word problems by comparing them with multiplication problems. She explains that both involve groups of the same size but differ in what is known and what needs to be found. Through examples involving baskets of apples and books, Maria demonstrates how to solve these problems. She concludes with complex problems requiring multiple operations, such as cost sharing and distributing balloons.

What is common between multiplication and division word problems?

• Both deal with groups or parts of equal size.

• Both require knowledge of all individual group sizes.

• Both always ask for the total number of groups.

• Both involve unknown total amounts.

In a multiplication problem, if you have 4 baskets with 3 apples each, how many apples do you have in total?

• 7 apples

• 3 apples

• 4 apples

• 12 apples

If you know the total number of apples is 40 and each basket holds 10 apples, how many baskets are needed?

• 5 baskets

• 40 baskets

• 10 baskets

• 4 baskets

What type of problem is it when you know the total and the size of each group and need to find the number of groups?

• Division

• Subtraction

• Addition

• Multiplication

How many pages in total did Mathy read if he read 5 books with 40 pages each?

• 100 pages

• 45 pages

• 205 pages

• 200 pages

If Annie read 120 pages and each book has 40 pages, how many books did she read?

• 4 books

• 2 books

• 5 books

• 3 books

What operation is used to find out how many books Annie read if she read 120 pages and each book has 40 pages?

• Division

• Subtraction

• Multiplication

• Addition

When sharing a $46 cost equally, how much does each person pay?

• $23

• $46

• $25

• $22

How many balloons in total did the team leader buy for seven children if each child gets 6 balloons?

• 35 balloons

• 36 balloons

• 42 balloons

• 48 balloons

If you have 3 red, 2 blue, and 1 yellow balloon per child for 7 children, how many red balloons are needed?

• 14 red balloons

• 28 red balloons

• 21 red balloons

• 7 red balloons