Mathematics: Grade-3 Skills and Two-Step Problems
The Mathematics domain tests grade-3 mathematics: place value, addition and subtraction with regrouping, multiplication and division facts, simple fractions, measurement, time and money, basic geometry, and reading graphs.
Core rules
- Read the question twice and name what it asks: a total, a difference, a share, or a comparison.
- For word problems, write the number sentence before computing.
- Multiplication can be shown as equal groups: 4 groups of 6 means 4 x 6.
- Division asks how many in each group or how many groups.
- Fractions must refer to equal parts of one whole.
- In geometry, perimeter is the distance around a shape; area counts square units inside.
- Estimate first so you can tell whether an exact answer is reasonable.
Worked example
A box has 4 rows of stickers. Each row has 6 stickers. How many stickers are in 3 boxes? Reasoning: First find one box: 4 rows x 6 stickers = 24 stickers. Then multiply by 3 boxes: 24 x 3 = 72 stickers. Check with repeated addition: 24 + 24 + 24 = 72. The answer is 72 stickers.
Traps
- Stopping after the first step in a two-step problem.
- Adding when the problem asks for a difference.
- Mixing up rows and columns in an array.
- Counting the outside of a shape when asked for area.
- Ignoring labels such as inches, minutes, or dollars in the answer.