Multiply three or more numbers: word problems

Understand the Problem:

  • Read the problem carefully to determine what is being asked.
  • Identify all the numbers involved and recognize that multiplication is needed.
  • Look for keywords and phrases that indicate multiplication (e.g., “total,” “each,” “altogether”).
  • Extract the relevant numbers and ignore unnecessary details.
  • Write down the numbers to be multiplied.
  • Arrange them in a logical order for multiplication.
  • Multiply two numbers at a time.
  • Use the result from each step to multiply by the next number.
  • Estimate the result to ensure it is reasonable.
  • Compare your final answer with the estimated result to check for accuracy.
  • Ensure your answer addresses the question asked.
  • Include units if applicable (e.g., dollars, items).

Identify Key Information:

  • Trays: 3
  • Boxes per tray: 12
  • Cookies per box: 5

Set Up the Multiplication:

  • First multiply the number of trays by the number of boxes per tray: 3×12=36
  • Next, multiply the result by the number of cookies per box: 36×5=180.

Final Answer:

  • There are 180 cookies in total.

Identify Key Information:

  • Crates per day: 4
  • Boxes per crate: 8
  • Bottles per box: 6

Set Up the Multiplication:

  • First multiply the number of crates by the number of boxes per crate: 4×8=32
  • Next, multiply the result by the number of bottles per box: 32×6=192

Final Answer:

  • There are 192 bottles packaged in a day.

Identify Key Information:

  • Rows: 5
  • Sections per row: 10
  • Plants per section: 15

Set Up the Multiplication:

  • First multiply the number of rows by the number of sections per row: 5×10=50.
  • Next, multiply the result by the number of plants per section: 50×15=750.

Final Answer:

  • There are 750 plants in total.

🗼 Anne is baking biscuits. She puts exactly 10 sprinkles on top of each biscuit. She places 8 rows of 5 biscuits on each biscuit sheet before they go in the oven.

  • Multiply the numbers in the story to find the total number of sprinkles.
  • 10 × 8 × 5 = 400
    Anne will use 400 sprinkles.

🗼 A biscuit factory makes 10 types of biscuits. They make 10 of each type of biscuit in every batch they bake.

  • Multiply the numbers in the story to find the total number of biscuits.
  • 10 × 10 × 9 = 900
    The factory makes 900 biscuits.

Let’s practice!🖊️