In earlier lessons, you learned how to multiply two numbers together.
Sometimes, you may have to multiply three numbers together, like this:
4 × 5 × 7 = ?
To multiply three numbers, just multiply the numbers together two at a time.
To solve the above problem, we can multiply any two factors first:
(4 × 5) × 7
or
(4 × 7) × 5
or
4 × (5 × 7)
Tip: parenthesis ( and ) in math tell you to do operations inside them first.
Let's try multiplying 4 × 5.
4 × 5 × 7 = 20 × 7
Now, let's multiply this product with the third number, 7.
20 × 7 = ?
Since 20 is a multiple of 10, we can find 20 × 7 by just multiplying 2 × 7 and adding a '0' at the end.
So,
20 × 7 = 140
And we have our final answer!
4 × 5 × 7 = 140
Great job! You just multiplied three numbers.
Let's try another example.
8 × 11 × 6 = ?
First, multiply any two of these numbers.
8 × 11 × 6 = 88 × 6
Finally, multiply this product with the third number.
88 × 6 = ?
For this, we need to use the column method.
So,
8 × 11 × 6 = 528
Way to go! 👏
13 × 3 × 12 = ?
Let's follow the steps again.
First, let's multiply two of the three numbers.
Let's pick the two smallest.
13 × 3 × 12 = 13 × 36
Next, let's multiply this product with the third number.
13 × 36 = ?
Let's use the column method.
So,
13 × 3 × 12 = 468 ✅
Awesome. 🎉
Now, you know how to multiply three numbers. Just multiply any two at a time.
Next, ace the practice. It'll help you remember for longer.