Year 3

Division • Primary Maths

Year 3 Division

Division facts are easier to work out when you connect them to equal groups and multiplication. Start with 24 ÷ 4.

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12 ÷ 3 = 4

Maths at a glance

See the Year 3 idea

Fact40 ÷ 5 = 8
No remainder84 ÷ 4 = 21
Inverse8 × 5 = 40
Groups63 ÷ 9 = 7

Try it together

Three ways to work out 24 ÷ 4

How many groups of 4 fit into 24?

1 Count groups of four

Make groups of 4 from 24 counters. Count the groups, or count in fours until you reach 24.

6 groups, so 24 ÷ 4 = 6

2 Use a multiplication fact

4 × □ = 24
4 × 6 = 24

Ask, “Four times what makes twenty-four?” Use 4 × 6 = 24 to find the missing number.

24 ÷ 4 = 6

3 Split into friendly parts

20 ÷ 4 = 5
4 ÷ 4 = 1

Split 24 into 20 and 4. There are 5 groups of four in 20 and 1 more group in 4.

5 + 1 = 6 groups

Your turn

Have a go

Choose a method. Work it out on paper or with objects, then check below.

1. 28 ÷ 4

Show answer 1

7 — Split 28 into 20 and 8: 5 groups and 2 groups.

2. 40 ÷ 8

Show answer 2

5 — Use 5 × 8 = 40.

For teachers and parents

Ask, “Why does splitting 24 into 20 and 4 help?” Both parts can be divided into whole groups of four.

A point to check

When splitting 24, divide both parts by 4 before adding the results. 20 ÷ 4 + 4 is not the same calculation.

Need an easier starting point?

Start with 8 ÷ 4 and 12 ÷ 4. Make the groups before writing the division fact.

Year 3 refers to the learning sequence on iLearn Maths. Year and grade labels differ around the world, so choose by the skills and examples that suit your learner.

Choose your practice

The examples and short practice above are free to use. Full lesson and worksheet access depends on your account or subscription.

From the Year 3 pathway

Learning focus

Lesson 37Multiplication and division facts for 2
Lesson 39Multiplication and division facts for 3
Lesson 41Multiplication and division facts for 4
Lesson 43Multiplication and division facts for 5
Lesson 45Multiplication and division facts for 8
Lesson 47Multiplication and division facts for 10

Key skills

What learners practise

multiplication and division facts for 2multiplication and division facts for 3multiplication and division facts for 4multiplication and division facts for 5multiplication and division facts for 8

Ready to practise Year 3 division?

Choose a lesson from the Year 3 learning pathway.

Year 3 lessons