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Third Grade Mathematics

Third Grade Mathematics Content Standards

By the end of grade three, students deepen their understanding of place value and their understanding of and skill with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers. Students estimate, measure, and describe objects in space.
They use patterns to help solve problems. They represent number relationships and conduct simple probability experiments.
(Mathematics Framework for California Public Schools, CDE, 2006)


Click on the Third Grade subpages to the left, to view specific, key content standards with description and example (when provided by the CDE Framework.)

To download a complete list of grade level mathematics standards, click:
related file below

Number Sense
1.0 Students understand the place value of whole numbers:
1.1 Count, read, and write whole numbers to 10,000.
1.2 Compare and order whole numbers to 10,000.
1.3 Identify the place value for each digit in numbers to 10,000.
1.4 Round off numbers to 10,000 to the nearest ten, hundred, and thousand.
1.5 Use expanded notation to represent numbers (e.g., 3,206 = 3,000 + 200 + 6).
2.0 Students calculate and solve problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division:
2.1 Find the sum or difference of two whole numbers between 0 and 10,000.
2.2 Memorize to automaticity the multiplication table for numbers between 1 and
10.
2.3 Use the inverse relationship of multiplication and division to compute and
check results.
2.4 Solve simple problems involving multiplication of multidigit numbers by onedigit
numbers (3,671 x 3 = __).
2.5 Solve division problems in which a multidigit number is evenly divided by a
one-digit number (135 รท 5 = __).
2.6 Understand the special properties of 0 and 1 in multiplication and division.
2.7 Determine the unit cost when given the total cost and number of units.
2.8 Solve problems that require two or more of the skills mentioned above.
3.0 Students understand the relationship between whole numbers, simple fractions, and decimals:
3.1 Compare fractions represented by drawings or concrete materials to show
equivalency and to add and subtract simple fractions in context (e.g., 1/2 of a
pizza is the same amount as 2/4 of another pizza that is the same size; show that
3/8 is larger than 1/4).
3.2 Add and subtract simple fractions (e.g., determine that 1/8 + 3/8 is the same
as 1/2).
3.3 Solve problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of
money amounts in decimal notation and multiply and divide money amounts in
decimal notation by using whole-number multipliers and divisors.
3.4 Know and understand that fractions and decimals are two different
representations of the same concept (e.g., 50 cents is 1/2 of a dollar, 75 cents is
3/4 of a dollar).

Algebra and Functions
1.0 Students select appropriate symbols, operations, and properties to represent, describe, simplify, and solve simple number relationships:
1.1 Represent relationships of quantities in the form of mathematical expressions,
equations, or inequalities.
1.2 Solve problems involving numeric equations or inequalities.
1.3 Select appropriate operational and relational symbols to make an expression
true
(e.g., if 4 __ 3 = 12, what operational symbol goes in the blank?).
1.4 Express simple unit conversions in symbolic form
(e.g., __ inches = __ feet x 12).
1.5 Recognize and use the commutative and associative properties of
multiplication
(e.g., if 5 x 7 = 35, then what is 7 x 5? and if 5 x 7 x 3 = 105, then what is 7 x 3 x 5?).
2.0 Students represent simple functional relationships:
2.1 Solve simple problems involving a functional relationship between two
quantities (e.g., find the total cost of multiple items given the cost per unit).
2.2 Extend and recognize a linear pattern by its rules (e.g., the number of legs on
a given number of horses may be calculated by counting by 4s or by multiplying
the number of horses by 4).

Measurement and Geometry
1.0 Students choose and use appropriate units and measurement tools to quantify the properties of objects:
1.1 Choose the appropriate tools and units (metric and U.S.) and estimate and
measure the length, liquid volume, and weight/mass of given objects.
1.2 Estimate or determine the area and volume of solid figures by covering them
with squares or by counting the number of cubes that would fill them.
1.3 Find the perimeter of a polygon with integer sides.
1.4 Carry out simple unit conversions within a system of measurement (e.g.,
centimeters and meters, hours and minutes).
2.0 Students describe and compare the attributes of plane and solid geometric figures and use their understanding to show relationships and solve problems:
2.1 Identify, describe, and classify polygons (including pentagons, hexagons, and
octagons).
2.2 Identify attributes of triangles (e.g., two equal sides for the isosceles triangle,
three equal sides for the equilateral triangle, right angle for the right triangle).
2.3 Identify attributes of quadrilaterals (e.g., parallel sides for the parallelogram,
right angles for the rectangle, equal sides and right angles for the square).
2.4 Identify right angles in geometric figures or in appropriate objects and
determine whether other angles are greater or less than a right angle.
2.5 Identify, describe, and classify common three-dimensional geometric objects
(e.g., cube, rectangular solid, sphere, prism, pyramid, cone, cylinder).
2.6 Identify common solid objects that are the components needed to make a
more complex solid object.

Statistics, Data Analysis, and Probability
1.0 Students conduct simple probability experiments by determining the number of possible outcomes and make simple predictions:
1.1 Identify whether common events are certain, likely, unlikely, or improbable.
1.2 Record the possible outcomes for a simple event (e.g., tossing a coin) and
systematically keep track of the outcomes when the event is repeated many
times.
1.3 Summarize and display the results of probability experiments in a clear and
organized way (e.g., use a bar graph or a line plot).
1.4 Use the results of probability experiments to predict future events (e.g., use a
line plot to predict the temperature forecast for the next day).

Mathematical Reasoning
1.0 Students make decisions about how to approach problems:
1.1 Analyze problems by identifying relationships, distinguishing relevant from
irrelevant information, sequencing and prioritizing information, and observing
patterns.
1.2 Determine when and how to break a problem into simpler parts.
2.0 Students use strategies, skills, and concepts in finding solutions:
2.1 Use estimation to verify the reasonableness of calculated results.
2.2 Apply strategies and results from simpler problems to more complex
problems.
2.3 Use a variety of methods, such as words, numbers, symbols, charts, graphs,
tables, diagrams, and models, to explain mathematical reasoning.
2.4 Express the solution clearly and logically by using the appropriate
mathematical notation and terms and clear language; support solutions with
evidence in both verbal and symbolic work.
2.5 Indicate the relative advantages of exact and approximate solutions to
problems and give answers to a specified degree of accuracy.
2.6 Make precise calculations and check the validity of the results from the
context of the problem.
3.0 Students move beyond a particular problem by generalizing to other situations:
3.1 Evaluate the reasonableness of the solution in the context of the original
situation.
3.2 Note the method of deriving the solution and demonstrate a conceptual
understanding of the derivation by solving similar problems.
3.3 Develop generalizations of the results obtained and apply them in other
circumstances.



Related Files

    pdf math standards grade 3 (pdf file - 61kb)

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Dyer-Kelly Elementary, K-5
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