3rd Grade Balancing Multiplication Equations Worksheet: True or False

Comparing expressions side by side shows that different numbers can share a value. In c, 15 × 11 and 55 × 3 both make 165. In h, 11 × 12 and 22 × 6 both make 132, because doubling one factor and halving the other keeps the product. In total, seven equations are true, namely a, c, d, e, f, h and j, and five are false.

The five false ones are close calls. In g, 8 × 9 = 72 but 10 × 7 = 70. In b, 12 ÷ 12 = 1 but 18 ÷ 9 = 2. Several products, such as 165 and 500, go past the facts within 100, so allow scrap paper.

Ask your child to write the value under each side before ticking, as in 24 under 12 × 2 and 24 under 6 × 4. When the two numbers match, it is a balanced equation, so the tick goes in True.

For big products such as 15 × 11 or 50 × 10, a shortcut saves time and avoids a long multiplication. To find 15 × 11, add 15 × 10 and 15, which makes 165. The instruction says "tick the correct phrase", so explain first that it means checking True or False.

Write one side of an equation, for example 4 × 6. Your child writes a different expression with the same value on the other side, like 8 × 3 or 48 ÷ 2. Then switch roles, so that your child writes the first side and you have to find a matching twin. In the end, check all twelve ticks against the answer key on page two.