Multiply three numbers: word problems

Lesson: Multiply Three Numbers (Word Problems)

Lesson Introduction

Sometimes in real life, we need to multiply three numbers to find a total. This usually happens when items are grouped in more than one way.

For example:

• rows × items per row × number of groups

Multiplying three numbers helps us solve problems involving equal groups, arrays, and repeated quantities.

Step-by-Step Strategy

1. Read the problem carefully

2. Identify the three numbers to multiply

3. Multiply two numbers first

4. Multiply the result by the third number

Example 1

A classroom has 4 rows of desks.
Each row has 5 desks, and each desk has 2 books.

How many books are there in total?

Solution:
4 × 5 × 2 =
20 × 2 = 40 books

Example 2

A store has 3 shelves.
Each shelf has 6 boxes, and each box has 4 toys.

How many toys are there?

Solution:
3 × 6 × 4 =
18 × 4 = 72 toys