Texas third graders are expected to multiply a two-digit number by a one-digit number using strategies and the standard algorithm, TEKS 3. 4(G), a skill Common Core does not name until fourth grade under 4. NBT. B. 5. That leaves a gap at third grade itself: a Texas child working on this exact skill in class could not find matching practice at their own grade level before this worksheet. Rather than teach the standard algorithm as a rule to memorize, this worksheet keeps the reasoning behind it visible. A two-digit number such as 23 is broken into 20 and 3, each part is multiplied by the one-digit number separately, and the two partial products are added back together — the distributive property at work, the same idea behind 4 x 23 equaling 4 x 20 plus 4 x 3.
A common mistake is forgetting to regroup, or carry, the extra ten that appears once the ones digit product reaches ten or more. Items rotate through partial products, the standard algorithm, the commutative property, estimation by rounding, and word problems that include and exclude regrouping. Encourage your child to multiply the ones digit first and check whether that product is ten or more before multiplying the tens.
What your child will learn
Multiply a two-digit number by a one-digit number by breaking it into tens and ones
Break a two-digit number into tens and ones to multiply (partial products)
Multiply with and without regrouping
Use the commutative property and rounding to check a product
Solve word problems using two-digit by one-digit multiplication
Worked example
Break 23 into 20 and 3: 4 x 20 = 80 and 4 x 3 = 12, so 4 x 23 = 92.
Common mistake
Forgetting to regroup (carry) the extra ten when the ones-digit product is 10 or more.
Helpful hint
Multiply the ones digit first, regroup into the tens if needed, then multiply the tens and add.
Questions parents ask
What is the most common mistake with multiply a two-digit number by one digit?+
Forgetting to regroup (carry) the extra ten when the ones-digit product is 10 or more.
How can I help my child with multiply a two-digit number by one digit?+
Multiply the ones digit first, regroup into the tens if needed, then multiply the tens and add.
Are these 3rd grade math worksheets free to print?+
Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.