Transmissions with at least three gearing-arrangements with similar first and second gearing-arrangements that produce a number of transmissions having an eleven forward-speed and two reverse-speed ratios, having ten forward-speed and three reverse-speed ratios, and having five forward-speed and one reverse-speed ratios by selective engagement of three shift-elements in various combinations. Some embodiments include four simple planetary-gearsets and six shift-elements of which two or three are brakes. Another embodiment includes a double-pinion planetary-gearset and six shift-elements of which three are brakes. Other embodiments include three simple planetary-gearsets and five shift-elements of which one or two are brakes.