Third Grade · Math · week 16

Fact families link × and ÷

Write all four facts in a multiplication/division fact family and use them to solve for unknowns.

Three numbers make a whole family of four facts. From 6, 7, and 42 you get 6 × 7 = 42, 7 × 6 = 42, 42 ÷ 6 = 7, and 42 ÷ 7 = 6. Learn the trio, and you know all four.

Fact families are powerful for finding a missing number. If 6 × ? = 42, the family tells you ? = 42 ÷ 6 = 7.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Build families with fact triangles — cover any corner to reveal a fact.
  • Frame missing-number problems as "which family member is hiding?"
  • Practice going both directions so × and ÷ feel like one skill.
  • Watch for the difference between "? ÷ 6 = 5" (multiply) and "30 ÷ ? = 5" (divide).
Talk about it:
  • How many facts are in one family? What are they?
  • How do fact families help with missing numbers?
  • Why do × and ÷ belong together?

Mastery looks like: They write complete fact families and solve for an unknown in any position.

Common stumbles: Writing only the two multiplication facts; multiplying when they should divide (or vice versa) for the unknown.

See it visually

Interactive, spoken-aloud tools that show this idea in motion.

MultiplicationEqual groups and arrays make products finally click.try →DivisionShare fairly and build equal groups.try →
Homework for this lessonType it, write it with a stylus, or print it for pencil & paper.open →
Records attendance + 15 min of Math for this learner.
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