Division — 3rd Grade Lesson
Students will understand division as sharing into equal groups and use multiplication facts to solve division problems.
3rd Grade · Division · ~25 min lesson
What is division?
Division is sharing a number into equal groups — the opposite of multiplication. 12 ÷ 3 asks: if 12 is shared into 3 equal groups, how many are in each group? (Answer: 4.)
Division as the opposite of multiplication
Multiplication and division are a fact family. If you know one, you know all three:
6 × 3 = 18 → 18 ÷ 6 = 3 and 18 ÷ 3 = 6
To solve any division problem, ask: “What times this number gives the dividend?”
20 ÷ 4 = ? → 4 × ? = 20 → 4 × 5 = 20 → 5
Division facts to learn
Learn the facts that match the multiplication table:
| Multiplication | Division fact |
|---|---|
| 2 × 5 = 10 | 10 ÷ 2 = 5 |
| 4 × 6 = 24 | 24 ÷ 4 = 6 |
| 8 × 9 = 72 | 72 ÷ 8 = 9 |
Special rules
- A number ÷ itself = 1: 12 ÷ 12 = 1.
- A number ÷ 1 = itself: 8 ÷ 1 = 8.
- 0 ÷ any number = 0: 0 ÷ 8 = 0.
- Order matters in division (unlike multiplication): 20 ÷ 5 ≠ 5 ÷ 20.
Sharing in real life
Division is everyday sharing: splitting cookies, cards, or toys fairly.
Share 18 cookies among 6 friends: 18 ÷ 6 = 3 each.
How to practice at home
- Share snacks: “Share 15 crackers among 3 plates equally.”
- Fact families: give 7 × 6 = 42, ask for the division facts.
- Deal the cards: deal a deck into equal piles and count.
- Division flashcards: 5 minutes a day, linked to known multiplication facts.
Practice with the exercises above, then download these free printable worksheets:
Practice Exercises
Try these on your own, then reveal the answer to check.
What does 12 ÷ 3 mean?
💡 How many in each group?
What is 20 ÷ 4?
💡 4 × 5 = 20, so 20 ÷ 4 = 5.
What is 15 ÷ 5?
💡 5 × 3 = 15.
What is 12 ÷ 12?
💡 A number divided by itself is 1.
What is 0 ÷ 8?
💡 Zero split into groups is still zero.
Share 18 cookies among 6 friends equally. How many each?
💡 18 ÷ 6 = 3.
Printable Worksheets
Put this lesson into practice with free, printable worksheets — each with an answer key.
Before You Start
- Multiplication facts to 12
- Equal groups
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Dividing in the wrong order (20 ÷ 5 ≠ 5 ÷ 20)
- Forgetting that a number ÷ itself = 1
What to Learn Next
Browse more Division worksheets or explore all 3rd Grade worksheets.
Related Worksheets
Division Facts Worksheet
Practice division facts by thinking of the multiplication fact that matches each one.
Dividing by 2 Worksheet
Divide by 2 (halving) using the 2 times table you already know.
Dividing by 5 Worksheet
Divide by 5 using skip counting and the 5 times table in reverse.
Dividing by 10 Worksheet
Divide by 10 - the easiest divisor, thanks to place value.
Dividing by 3 Worksheet
Divide by 3 using the 3 times table you already know.
Dividing by 4 Worksheet
Divide by 4 by halving twice, or by using the 4 times table in reverse.
Dividing by 6 Worksheet
Divide by 6 using the 6 times table in reverse.
Dividing by 7 Worksheet
Divide by 7 using the 7 times table in reverse - the trickiest division facts.
Dividing by 8 Worksheet
Divide by 8 using the 8 times table in reverse, or by halving three times.
Dividing by 9 Worksheet
Divide by 9 using the 9 times table in reverse - and the handy digit-sum check.
Dividing by 12 Worksheet
Divide by 12 using the 12 times table in reverse - great for working with dozens.
Division Word Problems Worksheet
Apply division facts to real-world equal-sharing and equal-grouping situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the connection between division and multiplication?
They're opposites. If 6 × 3 = 18, then 18 ÷ 6 = 3 and 18 ÷ 3 = 6. This is called a fact family, and it's the fastest way to learn division facts.
What division facts should a 3rd grader know?
Division facts that match the multiplication table to 12, using the fact-family connection: if you know 7 × 8 = 56, you know 56 ÷ 7 = 8.
Original & reviewed. Every worksheet is created in-house from a grade-level skill brief, checked for a correct answer key, and reviewed for grade-appropriateness. Our editorial policy.