Times Tens! Multiplying by Multiples of Ten

About This Resource

A free Grade 3 math lesson and worksheet on multiplying one-digit numbers by multiples of ten (such as 4 × 30): using known facts, thinking in tens, base-ten blocks, patterns and word problems. Includes a timed lesson plan, worksheet, editable Word version and answer key.

Overview

Students learn to multiply a one-digit number by a multiple of ten, such as 4 × 30. They use a known fact (4 × 3 = 12) and think in tens: 4 groups of 3 tens is 12 tens, which is 120. They model with base-ten rods, spot patterns, solve twelve multiplication facts, find missing numbers and solve word problems about boxes, packs and money.

Resource Details

Subject: Math
Topic: Multiplying by Multiples of Ten
Category: Multiplication & Division
File Type: PDF
File Size: 210.2 KB
Published: 31 Oct 2026
Downloads: 0

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Grade 3 (ages 8–9) 40 minutes Multiplication place value patterns mental math problem solving

Student Task

Show 4 groups of 3 tens rods. Ask how many tens there are (12 tens) and what number that is (120).
Model the strategy, then do the first questions of activity 1 together.
Students complete activities 2 to 5; answers are in the answer key.

Classroom Use

Tens rods: students build 3 × 40 with base-ten rods and count the tens.
Pattern ladder: write 6 × 2, 6 × 20 and 6 × 200 and discuss what changes.
Shop math: items cost $20, $30 or $50; students find the cost of buying several.

Differentiation

Support: use base-ten rods and a times table chart. Challenge: multiply by multiples of 100 and solve two-step problems.

Answer Key & Assessment

Activity 1 checks the facts; activities 2 to 5 check understanding and problem solving (answer key included).

Learning Objectives

Multiply a one-digit number by a multiple of ten from 10 to 90.
Use a known multiplication fact and place value to find the product.
Solve word problems that involve multiplying by multiples of ten.

Teacher Tips

Say "tens" out loud: 5 × 4 tens = 20 tens = 200. This keeps the focus on place value and avoids the idea of "just adding a zero" without understanding.

What's Included

6-page printable PDF lesson pack: teacher lesson plan with timings, materials and differentiation
Key vocabulary list (4 words with meanings and examples)
Student worksheet (5 activities)
Editable Word version of the worksheet
Complete answer key (also as a separate PDF)