Multiplication word problems: find the missing factor

Learn with an example

✈️ It takes Harold 1 minute to clean a window.

How many windows could he clean in 2 minutes?

​ _________windows

  • Use the story to write a multiplication number sentence with a missing factor.
  • 1 × ? = 2
  • Now find the missing factor. You can use a multiplication fact you know, or you can list facts for multiplying by 1 until you reach 2.
  • 1 × 1 = 1
    2 × 1 = 2
  • Harold could clean 2 windows in 2 minutes.

✈️ Joey puts 3 coffee mugs on each shelf.

How many shelves will he need for 15 mugs?

​ __________shelves

  • Use the story to write a multiplication number sentence with a missing factor.
  • 3 × ? = 15
  • Now find the missing factor. You can use a multiplication fact you know, or you can list facts for multiplying by 3 until you reach 15.
  • 1 × 3 = 3
    2 × 3 = 6
    3 × 3 = 9
    4 × 3 = 12
    5 × 3 = 15
  • Joey will need 5 shelves.

✈️ There are 2 carrots in each bundle. Wyatt needs 6 carrots.

How many bundles of carrots should Wyatt buy?

​ ___________bundles

  • Use the story to write a multiplication number sentence with a missing factor.
  • 2 × ? = 6
  • Now find the missing factor. You can use a multiplication fact you know, or you can list facts for multiplying by 2 until you reach 6.
  • 1 × 2 = 2
    2 × 2 = 4
    3 × 2 = 6
  • Wyatt should buy 3 bundles of carrots.

Let’s practice!🖊️