Grade 3 · Math

Grade 3 math

Grade 3 is when multiplication and division arrive, and the times tables start to matter. Numbers grow to the hundreds, and fractions get their first real look. Here is what it covers, where kids usually get stuck, and one way to help.

What your child learns this year

Every curriculum words it differently, but most grade 3 classes cover the same ground:

Multiplication and division. What they mean, how they undo each other, and the first times tables.
Three-digit numbers. Adding and subtracting numbers into the hundreds, and rounding to the nearest ten or hundred.
Fractions. Fractions as equal parts of a whole, and on a number line.
Measurement. Perimeter, the start of area, mass and capacity, and time to the minute.
Patterns and data. Number patterns, and bar graphs where each square stands for more than one.
In Ontario, also coding and money.

Where kids usually get stuck

1Counting up for every times-table fact. Getting 7 × 8 by counting 7, 14, 21… every time. It works, but it is slow and easy to slip.
2Subtracting across zeros. 400 − 158 trips up a lot of kids: there is nothing in the tens or ones to borrow from, so the trade has to start at the hundreds.
3Rounding from the wrong digit. Rounding 347 to the nearest ten means looking at the 7, not the 4. The answer is 350.

One of Pip's tricks

Split one factor into easy pieces

Use it when a multiplication fact you don't know, or a 2-digit number times a 1-digit number, like 7 × 8 or 6 × 23.

Split one number into two pieces you can multiply easily (8 = 5 + 3).
Multiply each piece.
Add the two answers.

Watch it work. 7 × 8. Split the 8 into 5 and 3. 7 × 5 = 35 and 7 × 3 = 21. Then 35 + 21 = 56.

Why it works: seven groups of eight is the same as seven groups of five plus seven groups of three, so the pieces add up to the whole.

Try three

Have a go, then tap to see the answer.

1.6 × 7 = ?
Show the answer
42. Split the 7 into 5 and 2: 6 × 5 = 30 and 6 × 2 = 12, and 30 + 12 = 42.
2.400 − 158 = ?
Show the answer
242. Count up: 158 to 160 is 2, 160 to 200 is 40, 200 to 400 is 200. 2 + 40 + 200 = 242.
3.Round 347 to the nearest ten.
Show the answer
350. Look at the ones digit: 7 is 5 or more, so the tens go up from 4 to 5.

How Sparkpip fits in

Pip, Sparkpip's tutor, works through problems like these with your child one small step at a time, using tricks like the one above.

Start free See how it works

Your curriculum

Sparkpip is built on the grade 3 math curriculum for your province or state. The official pages:

Also: Grade 2 math · Grade 4 math · Grade 3 science · Grade 3 English