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What math should a 3rd grader know?
Third grade is the multiplication year. The Common Core standards expect children to know all products of two one-digit numbers from memory by the end of 3rd grade, and to understand division as the reverse of multiplication.
Third graders also learn fractions as numbers (on a number line and comparing simple fractions), round to the nearest 10 or 100, add and subtract within 1,000, and find the area of rectangles by multiplying.
Examples of 3rd grade math
- Multiplication facts: 7 × 8 = 56.
- Division facts: 56 ÷ 8 = 7.
- Comparing unit fractions: 1/4 > 1/6, because fourths are bigger pieces.
- Rounding: 347 rounds to 350 (nearest 10).
- Area: a rectangle 4 units by 6 units has area 4 × 6 = 24 square units.
6 third grade practice questions
- 6 × 7 = ?
- 36 ÷ 4 = ?
- 1/3 ◯ 1/8
- 72 rounds to ? (nearest 10)
- 5 × 9 = ?
- 458 + 267 = ?
Use <, > or = for the ◯.
Show answers
- 6 × 7 = 42
- 36 ÷ 4 = 9
- 1/3 > 1/8
- 72 rounds to 70 (nearest 10)
- 5 × 9 = 45
- 458 + 267 = 725
Tips for parents
- Practice multiplication facts for a few minutes daily rather than in long sessions.
- Connect area to multiplication by drawing grids.
- Use measuring cups to make fractions real.
Questions parents ask
What is the most important math skill in 3rd grade?
Multiplication and division within 100 is the biggest focus in US 3rd grade standards, and it supports fractions, area and later long division.