Multiplying Three Numbers
Did you know you can multiply three numbers just as easily as two?
When multiplying three numbers, you can multiply them in any order! The answer will always be the same. Let's learn how with some colorful examples and interactive practice.
How to Multiply Three Numbers
1️⃣ Step 1: Choose any two numbers to multiply first
2️⃣ Step 2: Multiply the result by the third number
3️⃣ Step 3: Check your answer by multiplying in a different order
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: Candy Boxes
There are 4 boxes, each with 5 bags of candy, and each bag has 6 pieces. How many candy pieces total?
Let's solve it step by step:
First multiply 4 × 5 = _____
Then multiply that answer × 6 = _____
4 × 5 = 20, then 20 × 6 = 120
Total candy pieces: 120 🍬
Example 2: Building Blocks
A toy store has 3 shelves, each with 7 rows of building blocks, and each row has 8 blocks. How many blocks total?
Let's solve it:
First multiply 3 × 7 = _____
Then multiply that answer × 8 = _____
3 × 7 = 21, then 21 × 8 = 168
Total building blocks: 168 🧱
Parent Tips 🌟
- Real-world practice: Have your child calculate total items when you see grouped objects (like egg cartons in boxes, or juice boxes in packs).
- Order doesn't matter: Show how multiplying numbers in different orders gives the same result (e.g., 2×3×4 = 24 and 4×2×3 = 24).
- Break it down: Use graph paper to visualize multiplication as rows and columns, then add the third dimension with layers.