Triple Pattern Slides
TRIPLE PATTERN POWER
Unlocking the 3 Times Table
3rd Grade Math
Visual Patterns
Pattern Peek
Look closely at these numbers. What do you notice happening in the digits?
3
6
9
12
15
18
21
Look at the ones place...
What if you add the digits together?
Watch & Wonder
Embedded media
0:22
Pause & Chime in the Skip Count
0:34
Compare Dots vs. Cherries
1:04
Observe the Growing Triangles
Growing Triangles
In the video, each group of 3 looked like a triangle.
Teacher Talk:
"As the numbers get bigger, how does the triangle shape grow? What stays the same and what changes?"
3 groups of 3 = 9
Pattern Hunters
Now it's your turn to find the hidden secrets of the 3s!
Mission 1
Color the multiples of 3 on your hundreds chart. What shape do they make?
Mission 2
Add the digits together. Is there a "secret code" in the sums?
Pattern Hunter Worksheet
Pattern Hunter Worksheet
3rd Grade • Investigating the 3 Times Table
Name:
Date:
MISSION 1
The Diagonal Mystery
Use a crayon or marker to color in all the multiples of 3 (3, 6, 9, 12...).
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
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80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
What visual pattern do you see on the chart?
MISSION 2
The Secret Sum Code
Add the digits of each multiple. Does the answer follow a rule?
| Multiple | Calculation | Sum |
|---|
| 12 | 1 + 2 | 3 |
| 15 | 1 + 5 | 6 |
| 18 | 1 + 8 | 9 |
| 21 | 2 + 1 | |
| 24 | 2 + 4 | |
| 27 | 2 + 7 | |
| Multiple | Calculation | Sum |
|---|
| 30 | 3 + 0 | |
| 33 | 3 + 3 | |
| 36 | 3 + 6 | |
| 39 | 3 + 9 | |
| 42 | 4 + 2 | |
| 45 | 4 + 5 | |
Look at the "Sum" column. What pattern do you notice?
MISSION 3
Predicting the Future
In the video, 10 x 3 was 10 groups of 3 triangles. Draw what 11 x 3 would look like using triangles.
What will the digit sum of 12 x 3 be? Show your work!
(Hint: 12 x 3 = 36)
Triple Power Teacher Guide
Triple Pattern Power
Teacher Facilitation Guide
3rd Grade Mathematics
Multiplication & Patterns
Objective
Students will identify and describe visual and numerical patterns in the 3 times table using hundreds charts, digit sums, and geometric representations.
Materials
- Pattern Hunter Worksheet
- Crayons/Markers
- Projector & Slide Deck
Instructional Steps
Phase 1: The Hook (5 min) Slides 1-2
Display Slide 2: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21...
Ask: "What happens to the ones place? What happens if you add the digits?" (e.g., 12 is 1+2=3). Let students share initial "hunches" without confirming yet.
Phase 2: Video Analysis (10 min) Slide 3-4
Video: "Let's Learn – Multiplying by 3" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMk\_tOUh31w)
0:22 Pause
Chant the skip counting as the blue circles appear. Ask: "Is this faster than counting 1-by-1?"
1:04 Pause
Observe the triangle stacks. Ask: "How many dots are in each little bunch? Why did they use triangles?"
Phase 3: Student Investigation (20 min) Worksheet
Mission 1 (Hundreds Chart): Ensure students color accurately. They should see a series of parallel diagonals sloping down to the left. Ask: "Why do they skip two squares every time?"
Mission 2 (Digit Sums): Help students with the 39 calculation (3+9=12, then 1+2=3). Pattern Rule: All multiples of 3 have a digit sum that is also a multiple of 3 (3, 6, or 9).
Answer Key & Teacher Notes
Mission 1: The Chart
The pattern forms "checkered" diagonals. Because 3 is one less than a multiple of 10 (3+7=10), the pattern shifts diagonally as you move down the rows.
Mission 2: Digit Sums
21 → 2+1 = 3
24 → 2+4 = 6
27 → 2+7 = 9
30 → 3+0 = 3
33 → 3+3 = 6
36 → 3+6 = 9
39 → 3+9 = 12 → 1+2 = 3
Common Misconceptions
- Odd/Even: Students might think all multiples are odd. Point out 6, 12, 18, 24 to show they alternate Odd, Even, Odd, Even.
- Students may stop at 12 (for 39). Encourage them to add again (1+2) to find the single-digit "root".
