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      Use the divisibility rules to find multiples of 3

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I know the divisibility rule for multiples of 3 and can use it with 3- and 4-digit numbers.

      Key learning points

      1. Numbers that can be divided by 3 and leave no remainder are divisible by 3
      2. To find the digit sum of a number, add the digits in the number together so the digit sum of 17 is 1 + 7 which equals 8
      3. For a number to be divisible by three, the dgit sum of the number must be a divisible by 3

      Keywords

      • Digit sum - The sum of the digits of a number is called its digit sum.

      • Divisible / Divisibility - Divisibility is when division of a number results in another whole number. A number is divisible by another if it can be shared exactly with no remainder.

      • Multiple - A multiple is the result of multiplying a number by another whole number.

      Common misconception

      Lack of understanding of key terms such as: 'digit,' 'number.'

      Explain clearly the difference between the two key terms and encourage children to test the divisibility rule on both 3 digit and 4 digit numbers.

      Teacher tip

      Encourage children to test the divisibility rule starting with 2 digit numbers then moving on to 3 and 4 digit numbers. By this point fluency in 3 times tables will support children in solving these problems. Continue to chorally rehearse the 3 times tables.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What single number fits into this gap to make this correct? 15 ÷ 3 = ___

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: 5
      4
      3

      Q2.
      Order the multiples of 3 from the highest to lowest.

      1 - 36
      2 - 30
      3 - 27
      4 - 21
      5 - 18

      Q3.
      Identify the multiples of 3

      Correct answer: 6
      8
      Correct answer: 9
      14
      Correct answer: 15

      Q4.
      Match the expressions to the products.

      Correct Answer:3 × 6,18

      18

      Correct Answer:3 × 7,21

      21

      Correct Answer:3 × 9,27

      27

      Correct Answer:3 × 5,15

      15

      Correct Answer:3 × 8,24

      24

      Q5.
      Andeep has 36 guinea cards and shares them between 3 friends. How many cards does each friend get?

      Correct Answer: 12

      Q6.
      A bakery has baked 270 cupcakes. They are packed into boxes of 3 Which calculations will help to solve this problem?

      Correct answer: 27 tens ÷ 3
      Correct answer: 3 × 9 tens
      90 + 90 − 90
      270 − 3

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Select the multiples of 3

      Correct answer: 36
      Correct answer: 39
      Correct answer: 42
      46
      49

      Q2.
      What is the digit sum for 249?

      Correct Answer: 15

      Q3.
      Match the numbers to their digit sum.

      Correct Answer:421,7

      7

      Correct Answer:2,306,11

      11

      Correct Answer:876,21

      21

      Correct Answer:3,511,10

      10

      Q4.
      Is 3,021 a multiple of 3?

      Correct answer: Yes
      No

      Q5.
      Is 6,413 a multiple of 3?

      Yes
      Correct answer: No

      Q6.
      Is 432 a multiple of 3?

      Correct answer: Yes
      No

      To help you plan your 4 maths lesson on: Use the divisibility rules to find multiples of 3, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...