Super Division Skills: Conquering Division by 3!

Hello Multiplication and Division Whizzes! You’ve been working hard on your 3 times table for multiplication, and guess what? That means you’re already a super detective for dividing by 3! Division is like the inverse (or opposite) of multiplication. If you know your 3 times table, dividing by 3 will be “Threesy Peasy” too!

How Does Multiplication Help with Dividing by 3?

Division by 3 asks the question: “How many groups of 3 can fit into this number?” or “If I share this number into 3 equal groups, how many will be in each group?” Your 3 times table multiplication facts give you the answers directly!

For example, if you know: 8 × 3 = 24

Then you automatically know the division fact: 24 ÷ 3 = 8 (How many 3s are in 24? Eight!)

And also: 24 ÷ 8 = 3 (If you share 24 into 8 groups, there are 3 in each – though today we’re focusing on dividing by 3)

They are part of the same “fact family”!

Division Facts for the 3 Times Table (up to 36÷3):

• 3 ÷ 3 = 1 (because 1 × 3 = 3)
• 6 ÷ 3 = 2 (because 2 × 3 = 6)
• 9 ÷ 3 = 3 (because 3 × 3 = 9)
• 12 ÷ 3 = 4 (because 4 × 3 = 12)
• 15 ÷ 3 = 5 (because 5 × 3 = 15)
• 18 ÷ 3 = 6 (because 6 × 3 = 18)
• 21 ÷ 3 = 7 (because 7 × 3 = 21)
• 24 ÷ 3 = 8 (because 8 × 3 = 24)
• 27 ÷ 3 = 9 (because 9 × 3 = 27)
• 30 ÷ 3 = 10 (because 10 × 3 = 30)
• 33 ÷ 3 = 11 (because 11 × 3 = 33)
• 36 ÷ 3 = 12 (because 12 × 3 = 36)

Tips and Tricks for Recalling Division by 3 Facts!

• Think Multiplication! When you see a problem like “18 ÷ 3 = ?”, ask yourself: “What number times 3 equals 18?” (Answer: 6! So 18 ÷ 3 = 6). This is the most powerful trick!
• Count in Threes: If you’re stuck on 15 ÷ 3, count up in threes until you reach 15, keeping track of how many threes you counted: 3 (that’s one), 6 (that’s two), 9 (that’s three), 12 (that’s four), 15 (that’s five!). So, 15 ÷ 3 = 5.
• Sharing into Groups: Imagine you have some objects (like sweets) and you want to share them into 3 equal piles. How many would be in each pile? That’s dividing by 3!
• Use Your Multiplication Chart (as a helper): If you have a 3 times table multiplication chart, you can use it backwards to find division answers. Find the answer (e.g., 21) in the “3s” row or column, then see what number it lines up with.

Practice Your Division by 3 Recall! (18 Questions)

Time to show off your amazing division by 3 skills! Here are 18 quick questions. Try to use your 3 times table multiplication knowledge to help you. Good luck!

(Your web app with the 18 questions will go here. Questions should be recall-based, like “21 ÷ 3 = ?”, “? ÷ 3 = 9”, or “How many groups of 3 are in 30?”.)

Why is Knowing Your Division by 3 Facts So Important?

• Makes Division Easier: It’s the foundation for dividing bigger numbers.
• Helps with Fractions: Understanding how to divide by 3 helps when you learn about thirds (1/3).
• Solves Real-Life Problems: Sharing things out, working out how many groups you can make – these are all division problems!
• Boosts Maths Confidence: Quick recall of division facts makes all maths feel more manageable.

Tips for Grown-Ups: Making Division by 3 Practice Engaging!

Helping children recall their division facts for the 3 times table is greatly enhanced by a solid understanding of the 3x multiplication facts and the concept of inverse operations.

• Link to Multiplication Constantly: When a child is asked “12 ÷ 3 = ?”, prompt them with “What number times 3 makes 12?”
• Use Fact Family Triangles: Write three related numbers (e.g., 3, 5, 15) on the corners of a triangle to show the multiplication and division relationships. Cover one number and ask for the related facts.
• Quick Fire Division Questions: Mix them in with multiplication questions for the 3s.
• Real-World Sharing: “We have 18 strawberries to share equally among 3 people. How many does each person get?”
• Use Manipulatives: Allow children to use counters or objects to physically “share out” into 3 groups to understand the concept if they are struggling with recall.
• Praise the Connection: When they use multiplication to solve a division fact, praise that smart thinking!