MCAS Math Grade 3 key terms

The result you get when you multiply two or more numbers together. For example, in 4 × 6 = 24, the number 24 is the product.

A number that is multiplied by another number to make a product. In 3 × 7 = 21, both 3 and 7 are factors.

An operation that combines equal groups. It can be read as repeated addition, so 5 × 3 means three groups of 5.

An operation that splits a total into equal shares or tells how many equal groups fit inside a number. It undoes multiplication.

The answer to a division problem. In 18 ÷ 3 = 6, the quotient is 6.

The amount left over after dividing as many equal groups as possible. In 17 ÷ 5, the quotient is 3 with a remainder of 2.

A rectangular arrangement of objects in equal rows and columns. An array helps show multiplication facts, such as 3 rows of 4.

Groups that each contain the same number of objects. Equal groups are the foundation for understanding multiplication and division.

A rule stating that changing the order of numbers in multiplication does not change the product. For example, 3 × 8 equals 8 × 3.

A set of related multiplication and division sentences that use the same three numbers, such as 4 × 5 = 20, 5 × 4 = 20, 20 ÷ 4 = 5, and 20 ÷ 5 = 4.

Replacing a number with a nearby number that is easier to work with, usually the nearest ten or hundred. For example, 47 rounds to 50.

The value a digit has because of its position in a number. In 352, the 3 means 300, the 5 means 50, and the 2 means 2.

The usual way of writing a number using digits only, such as 4,806. It shows each digit in its proper place.

A way of writing a number as the sum of the values of its digits. For example, 4,806 in expanded form is 4,000 + 800 + 6.

A number close to an exact answer, found by rounding or using friendly numbers. Estimates are useful for checking whether an answer is reasonable.

The result of adding two or more numbers. In 240 + 130 = 370, the sum is 370.

The result of subtracting one number from another. In 95 − 38 = 57, the difference is 57.

A number that names part of a whole or part of a group. It is written with a numerator above a denominator, such as 3/4.

The top number in a fraction. It tells how many equal parts are being described, as the 3 in 3/4.

The bottom number in a fraction. It tells how many equal parts the whole is divided into, as the 4 in 3/4.

A fraction with a numerator of 1, such as 1/2, 1/3, or 1/8. It represents one equal part of a whole.

Fractions that name the same amount even though they use different numbers, such as 1/2 and 2/4. They cover the same portion of a whole.

A straight line marked with numbers at equal intervals. Fractions, whole numbers, and their positions can be shown and compared on it.

A counting number starting from zero, such as 0, 1, 2, or 3. Whole numbers have no fractional or decimal parts.

The amount of flat surface a shape covers, measured in square units. For a rectangle, multiply length by width to find it.

The distance all the way around the outside of a closed shape. Add the lengths of all the sides to find it.

A square with sides one unit long, used to measure area. Counting how many square units fit inside a shape gives its area.

A closed flat shape made of straight sides that do not cross. Triangles, squares, and hexagons are polygons.

A polygon with exactly four straight sides. Squares, rectangles, rhombuses, and trapezoids are all quadrilaterals.

A quadrilateral with four right angles and opposite sides equal in length. Its area is length times width.

A graph that uses bars of different lengths to show and compare amounts. The taller the bar, the greater the value.

A graph that uses small pictures or symbols to show data. A key explains how many each symbol stands for.

A note on a graph that explains what each symbol or mark stands for, such as one star meaning 5 students.

The numbers and spacing used along a graph's axis to show how values are measured. A scale may count by 2s, 5s, or 10s.

A number line marked with X marks above it to show how often each value appears in a data set. It quickly reveals the most common value.

The amount of time that passes between a starting time and an ending time. For example, from 2:15 to 3:00 is 45 minutes.