3rd Grade Multiplication Word Problems Worksheet: Photos, Miles, Eggs

Word problems show whether a child knows when to multiply, not just how. This 3rd grade multiplication word problems worksheet has 4 stories with space to work under each one. Audrey fills a photo album with 2 photos on each page, and Peter cycles 32 miles every day of the week. Synthia buys trays of eggs and finds some bad ones, and Jeny buys 11 bananas at the same price each. A girl lies on the floor with a book near the top, and another girl carries a bag. A second page gives the answer key, with the working for each story.

Write the given information first

The answer key models a good habit. It lists the given information before any calculation: 32 miles a day, 7 days in a week.

From there, your child writes one multiplication sentence: 32 × 7 = 224. Naming what each number stands for keeps the units right, whether those units are miles, photos, eggs, bananas or dollars. The answer is 224 miles, not just 224.

At the table: the egg story

Problem 3 is a two-step problem. Synthia buys 12 trays of 30 eggs, and 30 eggs are bad. That is exactly one tray. So 11 good trays remain, and 11 × 30 = 330.

Another path is 12 × 30 = 360, then 360 − 30 = 330. Both are right. Problems 2 and 3 go beyond the third grade goal of products within 100. They suit a child who is ready for a stretch.

After the page: stories from home

Make up stories with real things: 3 packs of 6 juice boxes, or 4 rows of 5 cookies on a tray. Your child draws the groups, then writes the multiplication sentence that matches the drawing, such as 3 × 6 = 18.

Later, let your child invent a story for 5 × 8. When you check the page, compare each final answer with the answer key on page two.