problem solving questions for 3rd grade

35 math problems for 3 rd graders

In 3rd grade, students are introduced to important math concepts that become the building blocks for future mathematical learning. Let’s practice those concepts with this list of math problems for 3rd graders.

Author Katie Wickliff

Published September 25, 2023

• Key takeaways
• In 3rd grade math, students develop a deeper understanding of multiplication and division, fractions, and measurements.
• Word problems for 3rd graders require more advanced comprehension skills.
• Place Value: Understanding place value helps us read and write numbers correctly and compare their values.
• Look for opportunities for your child to practice their math at home–worksheets, math games , or a math practice app will help strengthen new mathematical knowledge. While consistency is key, math practice for 3rd graders should be engaging and fun.

Table of contents

• Subtraction
• Multiplication
• Measurement
• Multi-step word problems

Answer sheet

In addition to reviewing and strengthening the skills learned in previous years, 3rd graders learn multiplication and division, explore fractions, calculate measurements, and more. Also, word problems for 3rd graders are often multi-step, requiring students to understand what operations to perform and how to perform them correctly. 

This list of 3rd grade math problems is intended to reinforce concepts students have already been taught. The list is divided into sections: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, measurement, and multi-step problems. These sections allow students to specifically focus their practice, but feel free to skip around and choose the 3rd grade math practice problems that best suit your child’s needs. 

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Select a grade

• Kindergarten

Measurement and data

Sample questions, 35 third grade math problems, section 1: addition.

At the school carnival, Hattie won 25 tickets at ring toss and 40 tickets at balloon darts. How many tickets did she win altogether?

There are 15 baby chicks at the barn. 12 more chicks are born. How many baby chicks are at the barn now?

How can you represent the number line with an equation?

Using the number line, solve 7+ _ = 22

Amir practices basketball three days a week. On Tuesday, he practices basketball for 60 minutes. On Wednesday, he practices for 37 minutes. On Thursday, he practices for 15 minutes. Which expression shows how to find the total number of minutes Amir practiced? Circle the correct answer

Section 2: Subtraction

Using the number line, solve 17-6=

There are 224 Lions fans and 212 Tigers fans at the football game. How many more Lions fans than Tigers fans are at the game?

An animal shelter has 27 kittens available for adoption. On Friday, 8 kittens are adopted. How many kittens are left at the shelter?

Gemma has 130 beads for bracelets. She gives 75 beads to Piper and 6 beads to Claire. Which expression shows how to find the total number of beads Gemma has left? Circle the correct answer.

Using the number line, solve 30- _ = 14

Section 3: Multiplication

Using the picture below, write a multiplication equation to find the number of shapes

Francis and Jane are playing a card game. Francis has 7 cards. Jane has 3 times as many cards as Francis. How many cards does Jane have?

Using the number line to show hops, complete the multiplication sentence

Solve the equation

Mariela has 8 pages of math homework. There are 4 problems on each page. How many total problems does Mariela have for math homework?

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Section 4: Division

Connor has 80 crayons that he will put into crayon boxes. Each crayon box can hold 8 crayons. How many crayon boxes does he need?

Using the number line to show hops, complete the division sentence

Natalie divided 12 marbles into equal groups of 3. Draw a representation to show equal grouping.

Craig’s mom brought 12 cookies to the soccer game. She shared them equally among Craig and 3 teammates. Which expression will solve the problem correctly? Circle the answer.

Section 5: Fractions

Using the number line, work out what A, B and C represent.

Plot ¼ on this number line:

A cheese pizza has 8 slices. Marco ate 2 of the slices. His dad at the rest.  What fraction of the pizza did Marco eat? What fraction of the pizza did his dad eat?

There are 15 flowers in a garden. 10 flowers are yellow and the rest are red. What is the fraction of red flowers in the garden?

Using the number line, find the value of K and L. Which is bigger?

Section 6: Measurement

A school bus is 12 feet long and a car is 4 feet shorter than the bus. How long is the car?

John is 64 inches tall, Mabel is 59 inches tall, and Phoebe is 57 inches tall. How much taller is John than Phoebe?

Use the ruler provided to measure to the nearest ¼ inch:

Find the area of the square below

Find the perimeter of the rectangle below

Section 7: Multi-step word problems

Sarah has two $10 bills. Her sister has one $5 bill. They combine their money to buy a game that costs $22 dollars. How much change will they receive?

Dad baked 36 cookies for the bake sale. Jonas baked 24 cookies for the bake sale. His brother ate 5 cookies before the bake sale started. How many cookies do they have left to sell?

The school bus seats 75 students in all. On Friday, the school bus was full. At the first stop, 7 students got off. At the second stop, 15 students got off. How many children were left on the bus?

George has 25 water balloons. He wants to divide the water balloons equally between himself and 2 friends. How many water balloons will each get? Will there be any water balloons left over?

On Monday, 5 inches of snow fell. On Tuesday, 3 inches of snow fell. On Wednesday, 7 inches of snow fell. The school will have a snow day if it snows 21 inches or more. How many more inches would it have to snow for the school to have a snow day?

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Addition answers

25+40= 65. Hattie won 65 tickets

15+12= 27. 27 baby chicks are at the barn

7+ 15= 22. This should be represented by 15 “hops” on the number line

Subtraction answers

17-6=11. This should be represented by 11 “hops” on the number line

224-212= 12. There are 12 more Lions fans than Tiger fans

27-8= 19. There are 19 kittens left at the shelter.

Multiplication answers

2×3=6; 3×2=6

7×3=21. Jane has 21 cards.

8×4= 32

Division answers

40÷8= 5. It will take Max 5 days to pay Bennett.

Drawing should show 3 groups of 4 marbles each.

Fractions answers

The ¼ should be plotted on the point between 0 and ½

Marco ate 2/8 (or ¼) of the pizza. His dad ate 6/8 (or ¾) of the pizza

5/15 (or ⅓)

K= ⅜, L= 6/8 (or ¾). L is larger.

Measurement answers

12-4=8. The car is 8 feet long.

64-57=7. John is 7 inches taller than Phoebe

8×8=64. The area is 64 yd2

8+8+2+2=20 cm

Multi-step word answer answers

$10+$10= $20. 

$20+$5=$25.

$25-$22= $3

 Sarah and her sister will receive $3 in change

They have 55 cookies left to sell

53 students are left on the bus

George and his friends each get 6 water balloons, with one left over.

• 5 in+ 3 in+ 7 in= 15 in

21 in- 15 in= 6 in

It must snow 6 more inches to get a snow day. 

Lesson credits

Katie Wickliff

Katie holds a master’s degree in Education from the University of Colorado and a bachelor’s degree in both Journalism and English from The University of Iowa. She has over 15 years of education experience as a K-12 classroom teacher and Orton-Gillingham certified tutor. Most importantly, Katie is the mother of two elementary students, ages 8 and 11. She is passionate about math education and firmly believes that the right tools and support will help every student reach their full potential.

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37 Math Problems For 3rd Graders: Answers With Worked Examples

Michele Bell

3rd grade math problems formally introduce 3rd graders to math skills such as multiplication, division, and fractions. They build on learners’ conceptual understanding of partitioning shapes and using repeated addition with concrete models, drawings, and expressions, learned in previous grades, to make connections using symbols, letters for unknown numbers, and equations.

In this blog, we look closely at the essential math skills a third grader needs to know and provide math problems, worked examples, and teaching tips, to help teachers and educators support their third-grade students in mathematics.

What are math problems for 3rd graders?

3rd grade math problems are specific math problems suitable for 8-9 year olds. They include the following math concepts: 

• Subtraction
• Multiplication
• Place Value
• Measurement and Data
• Geometrical Shapes

37 3rd Grade Math Problems

37 3rd grade math problems and answer key for students to solidify understanding of math concepts. Questions cover addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, rounding, fractions, time, data, area, perimeter and geometry.

Benefits of math problems for 3rd graders

3rd graders can use these math problems to build on their prior knowledge of addition and subtraction developed in Kindergarten, 1st  and 2nd grade. 

The math concept of repeated addition, learned in 2nd grade, directly links to their understanding of multiplication through models learned in the 3rd grade such as equal groups and arrays. 

Many 3rd grade math concepts they focus on strengthen their foundation in fraction concepts and set them up for success with fraction operations explored in 4th grade and 5th grade .  

Word problems help students make connections between representations and develop students understanding of the relationship between addition and subtraction or multiplication and division.

Multiplication word problems are just one example of word problems used to deepen students’ understanding of each operation. Educators should incorporate word problems through all phases of teaching each concept, not just near the end of a unit when learners appear ready to “apply” their learning. 

3rd grade math curriculum 

The topics focused on in third-grade math include: 

• Addition within 1,000
• Subtraction within 1,000
• Whole number multiplication
• Whole number division
• Understanding fractions
• Rounding to the nearest 10 or 100
• Elapsed time
• Representing and Interpreting Data
• Describing Quadrilaterals

How the 3rd grade math curriculum fits into learners’ math development 

3rd grade students extend their 2nd grade knowledge of adding and subtracting within 100 to include adding and subtracting within 1,000 using place value strategies and properties of operations. 

Learners continue to build on equal sharing from 1st grade and learn about unit fractions and the meaning of the numerator and denominator. This sets them up for success with fraction operations in 4th and 5th grade.

Common challenges teaching third graders

As 3rd graders use all four operations, a common challenge for some is mixing up which operation to use when problem solving. They may focus on one word in a word problem instead of considering the entire problem. 

Concrete models and representations can help students work through problems by showing the actions happening in a problem situation. However, as they get older, some students may also want to reduce their use of math manipulatives to build concrete models or draw pictures to show their thinking leaving room for error. 

Teach students to visually show their thinking through models or pictures, or express it with words and numbers instead of keeping it in their head. 

Math problems for 3rd graders with answers

Here are 34 math problems for 3rd graders organized by topic, including:

Addition math problems for 3rd graders 

In 3rd grade, students build on addition skills from K-2nd grade and are expected to add fluently within 1,000. This can include one-digit numbers, two-digit numbers and three-digit numbers.

Question 1 

A local charity collected 356 canned food items in September. They collected 419 canned food items in October. How many canned food items did they collect during the two months?

Answer: 775

Students apply strategies based on place value when solving multi-digit addition problems. A place value chart is a great tool to help organize and record their thinking as they work with values that may require regrouping. 

In this problem, students solve an addition problem that involves regrouping in one place, from ten ones to one ten.

Jessica and Caleb were both sharing their baseball card collections with their class. Jessica has 435 baseball cards in her collection and Caleb has 482 baseball cards in his collection. How many total baseball cards did they both collect?  

Answer: 917

An open number line is another valuable tool that students can draw on anytime. They can use multiple addition strategies on a number line. For example, they might start with an amount and then add on the hundreds, tens and ones of the second number. 

Another strategy is adding the hundreds from both addends, then the tens, and the ones. No matter the strategy, number lines are great visuals for students to record their thinking and refer back to it in their explanations.

Sabrina had 267 beads to use for making bracelets. Her mom bought her a new pack of 135 beads. How many beads does Sabrina have now?

Answer: 402 beads

This problem requires regrouping of ones to tens, and tens to hundreds. Students should have experience regrouping in one or more places when adding within 1,000. 

The partial sum strategy helps set the foundation for using an algorithm in fourth grade to add greater multi-digit numbers.

Subtraction math problems for 3rd graders

As with addition, students build on their subtraction knowledge from K-2nd grade and use single-digit subtraction and subtracting 2-digit numbers within 100 to develop fluency in subtracting within 1,000. This can include up to 3-digit numbers. 

Although students have used subtraction since Kindergarten, it can still be difficult for many students. Providing students with multiple strategies and methods for solving with subtraction allows them to choose the most efficient method move towards fluency, which includes: 

• Efficiency 

283 guests were waiting to ride a ferry boat to get to the entrance of a theme park across the lake.  Only 155 guests can ride the ferry boat at a time. How many guests will have to wait for the next ferry boat to arrive?

Answer: 128 guests

When completing subtraction word problems, make connections between strategies students use to add within 1,000 and subtract within 1,000. This strengthens their understanding of the relationship between addition and subtraction, and place value. 

Similarly to addition, students can use a place value chart to help them with regrouping when subtracting 2 or 3-digit numbers. In this problem, students need to regroup 1 ten for 10 ones.

Andrew and his family drove 607 miles to get to their hotel. They made one stop after driving for 312 miles. How many more miles did they have to drive to get to the hotel?

Answer: 295

Using a number line to subtract, or count back, may confuse some students. Remind students to use strategies that make sense to them. They may start with one number and subtract the hundreds, tens, and then ones of the second number. 

Some students prefer to subtract using place value, while others subtract until they get to a multiple of 10 and continue subtracting from there.

Josie had $168 at the beginning of the week. She spent $27 at the mall on Tuesday. She worked on Thursday and earned some money. She ended the week with $195. How much money did she earn on Thursday?

Answer: $54

This problem includes both addition and subtraction and provides an opportunity for students to write an equation using a letter as the unknown value. Students can use the relationship between addition and subtraction to determine what the letter represents.

168 – 27 + s = 195

141 + s = 195

195 – 141 = s

Multiplication math problems for 3rd graders

Many third-grade standards group multiplication and division together. When students are officially introduced to both operations, typically multiplication is first. 

Learners develop an understanding of multiplication using concrete models, pictures, and equations when solving word problems. 

In 3rd grade, they solve word problems that lend themselves to making equal groups, arrays, or finding the area as a measurement. 

Other multiplication concepts that 3rd grade students will explore include:

• Properties of operations 
• Finding an unknown product 
• Solving one or two-step word problems that involve more than one operation

There are 8 dry-erase markers in one pack. How many dry-erase markers are in 3 packs?  

3rd graders explore equal groups. They can do this using an array. Students must understand that the one factor is the number of groups and the other is the number in each group.  

For example, 3 x 8 can be represented using the following array: 

Find the product of 5 x 3 x 4

Learners explore associative property in 3rd grade as well as commutative property and distributive property.

When evaluating multiplication expressions with three or more factors, students learn that the way they group the factors to multiply does not change the value of the product. 

Encourage students to start with the two factors that seem the friendliest to multiply, but to also keep in mind how confident they will feel when multiplying the product of those two factors with the next factor in the expression.

Other properties of multiplication that students will explore in 3rd grade include the:

• commutative property
• distributive property
• identity property
• zero property

Find the product of 7 x 40.

Answer: 280

7 x 40 = 7 x 4 tens 

7 x 4 tens = 28 tens 

28 tens = 280

7 x 40 = 280

Question 10

The school music teacher set up his classroom for an after-school chorus rehearsal. He formed 3 rows with 12 chairs in each row. How many chairs are in the classroom in total?

Answer: 36 chairs

Allow students to choose their method, whether it’s using manipulatives or drawing pictures to represent the information in word problems. 

Ask them where they see each value in their concrete model or picture.

Division math problems for 3rd graders

Many multiplication strategies are closely related to division problem strategies. Third graders must understand the relationship between multiplication and division to use it as a strategy for problem-solving. This helps with math problems that involve finding an unknown. 

Third graders learn to write a blank, question mark, or letter when there is an unknown product, quotient, or factor. This aids them when writing a related equation using a known math fact with an operation they are comfortable with. 

Question 11

Zoe has 42 stickers. She wants to give 7 stickers to each of her friends at her birthday party. How many friends are at her birthday party?

Answer: 6 friends

Once students begin working with division, they tend to focus on specific keywords such as “each” and think that the problem represents multiplication. Students must model the actions of what is happening in the problem. Giving the same amount out multiple times will highlight the division and sharing equal amounts. 

Encourage students to build and draw models to show their thinking. Ask them to explain their strategy to you, a partner, or the class for solving division word problems such as this one. 

Question 12

There are 3 boxes on each shelf in the backroom of a bookstore. 36 new boxes were delivered and must be placed on the 4 shelves. How many total boxes are on each shelf? 

Extend students’ understanding of multiplication and division by pairing multiplication and division together, or with addition or subtraction. This enables students to solve two-step problems represented as an expression or equation. 

Follow-up discussions to help students understand which operation they should solve first to set them up for success with the order of operations in fifth grade and beyond.

Question 13

George ran 63 miles last week. If he ran every day last week, how many miles did he run each day?

Answer: 9 miles

Writing an equation to represent math word problems supports learners’ understanding of the relationship between multiplication and division. 

When learners write a division equation using a letter or question mark for the unknown number, they can rewrite the expression as a multiplication expression if they aren’t confident with division facts. 

A familiar multiplication equation may lead third graders to use mental math once they’re fluent with multiplication facts.

Question 14

Determine what the ? represents in the equation. 48 6 = ?

48 ➗ 6 = ? 

6 x ? = 48 

6 x 8 = 48 

Rounding math problems for 3rd graders 

The third place value concept covered in third grade is rounding. Third-grade math requires students to use their place value understanding to round whole numbers to the nearest 10 or 100. 

Understanding the value of digits in a number is important when rounding because it helps to determine which 10 or 100 a whole number is closest to. 

Question 15

Round 27 to the nearest 10.

Using a number line with a midpoint and two endpoints helps students visualize which tens or hundreds a whole number falls between. 

Although number lines are not required to be used as a strategy in 3rd grade, they can be used to help students develop their rounding skills conceptually.

Question 16

Round 639 to the nearest 100

Answer: 600

Question 17

Round 450 to the nearest 100

Answer: 500

In some instances, a value is directly in the middle of the tens or hundreds. However, learners should know that if the digit being rounded is 5 or larger, then it must round up. 4 or less and the digit rounds down. 

Fraction math problems for 3rd graders

Students build on their fraction knowledge form 1st and 2nd grade, including: 

• Partitioning shapes into equal shares by exploring unit fractions 
• The meaning of the numerator and the denominator

3rd graders should have plenty of opportunities to represent fractions by building concrete models and drawing pictures before they are required to write fraction notations. 

Using fraction vocabulary such as halves, thirds, fourths, parts and parts of a whole helps students make sense of fractions as part of a number before writing the numerator above the denominator with a fraction bar in between. 

Facilitate discussions involving unit fractions and how the non-unit fractions are the sum of multiple unit fractions.

Question 18

Represent the fraction \frac{3}{4} by drawing a model.

Question 19

Count the parts and label each tick mark on the number line: 

\frac{1}{8} , \frac{2}{8} , \frac{3}{8} , \frac{4}{8} , \frac{5}{8} , \frac{6}{8} , \frac{7}{8} , \frac{8}{8}

Discuss with students that the intervals or spaces between the tick marks represent the distance from one tick mark to the next tick mark or a unit fraction such as \frac{1}{8} . 

The distance from zero to that point or tick mark is a different value labeled with a specific fractional value, such as \frac{5}{8} .

Fraction problems for 3rd graders

Question 20.

Select the equivalent models.

Answer: C and E

Equivalent fractions in third grade focus on visual models preparing them to explore finding equivalent fractions through operations in the fourth grade.

Question 21

Which is greater, \frac{4}{8} or \frac{4}{6} ? Write a comparison statement using the symbols >, =, or <.

Answer: \frac{4}{8} < \frac{4}{6}

Time math problems for 3rd graders

In third-grade math, students learn to tell time to the nearest minute on digital and analog clocks. 

They use their understanding of time to determine an elapsed time when given a start and stop time for an event or sequence of activities. 

Students explore using number lines to help them understand elapsed time word problems . These can include:

• Start and stop time given, elapsed time unknown
• Start and elapsed time given, stop time unknown
• Elapsed time and stop time given, start time unknown

Question 22

Represent the time shown on the digital clock by drawing on the analog clock. 

Answer: 

Question 23

It is 10:50 a.m. and lunch begins in 15 minutes. What time will it be? Use the number line to show the time.

Answer: 11:05 a.m.

Students should use the number line to determine time in a way that makes sense. 

Question 24

On Saturday, Angela left the park at 2:45 p.m. where she attended soccer practice for 75 minutes. What time did Soccer practice begin?

Answer: 1:30 p.m.

Working backwards to determine a time may seem challenging for some students. They may use a number line to subtract whole numbers. 

Pay attention to how students maneuver counting back in time from the 1 o’clock hour into the 12 o’clock or morning time.

Data math problems for 3rd graders

Third-grade math develops the concept of collecting and representing data from previous grades. Students must: 

• Ask and answer questions
• Ceate tally charts
• Draw picture graphs and bar graphs
• Learn about line plots

In third grade, students use larger values and scales to represent their data than in previous grades. They also answer one and two-step word problems about information presented in graphs.

Question 25 

 How many more cloudy days were there than rainy days in March?

Answer: 5 days

In grade 3, students create and read graphs with scales greater than 1. If they struggle to interpret the information on a bar or picture graph, they can add tick marks between the intervals to count accurately.

Question 26

The students in Mrs. Campbell’s class voted on which animal should be their class mascot. The votes are shown on the graph. 

How many fewer students voted for an animal that lives in the ocean than an animal that lives on land? 

Answer: 4 students

(8 + 6) – 10= 4

Provide students with opportunities to solve one and two-step problems involving a picture or bar graph. 

Problems should relate directly to “How many more?” and “How many less?” questions.

Question 27 

What is the length of the pencil measured to the nearest half or quarter of an inch?

Answer: 6 \frac{1}{2} inches

3rd grade students explore measuring objects with a ruler marked with halves and fourths of an inch. Examples like this bring math into real-life scenarios for working with fraction values.  Students can see and hear how the terms fourths and quarters are used interchangeably regarding measurement.

Question 28 

Create a line graph to display the collected data.

Students are introduced to line plots with whole number units in the 2nd grade. In the 3rd grade, students measure units to the nearest half or fourth and record the measurement of objects on line plots. 

They extend their understanding of representing information on a line plot in 4th and 5th grade where they solve problems involving fraction operations.

Area math problems for 3rd graders

Students apply their understanding of multiplication and division while exploring the area of two-dimensional shapes. Area is an attribute of 2-D shapes and multiple strategies can be used to find it. 

Question 29

Find the area of the rectangle.

Answer: 48 square units

Question 30

Jillian has a new painting to hang in her bedroom. The side lengths of the painting are 7 in. and 4 in. What is the area of the painting?

Answer: 28 square inches 

Students must understand that counting the number of tiles arranged as an array is the same as multiplying two of the given side lengths for a rectangle.

Question 31

Find the total area of the figure.

Answer: 10 square inches

(2 x 2) + (4 x 1)

Learners apply their understanding of area to determine the area of rectilinear figures: figures composed of more than one rectangle. 

A common misconception for some students is to multiply all of the side lengths. This is a great opportunity to relate the area to the distributive property by decomposing the figure into two separate rectangles. Then they can determine the area of each rectangle and add the two values together to find the total area. 

Perimeter math problems for 3rd graders

3rd graders explore the perimeter of shape, how to work it out and how it differs from the area. 

A common misconception for third graders, that sometimes carries on into fourth grade and fifth grade, is mixing up area and perimeter. Take the time to allow students to explore and discuss examples and non-examples of area and perimeter in the real world and around the classroom.

Question 32

Find the perimeter of the bulletin board.

Answer: 160 inches

Students need to add all of the side lengths together: 

45 + 45 + 35 +35 = 160

Question 33

The school garden has one side length of 13 feet. The perimeter of the garden is 40 feet. How long is the other side length?

Answer: 7 feet

13 + 13 + s + s = 40  

(2 x 13) + (2 x s ) = 40  

26 + (2 x s ) = 40 

40 – 26 = 2 x s   

Question 34

• Which rectangles have the same perimeters but different areas? 
• Which rectangles have the same area but different perimeters?

• Rectangles 3 and 4 have the same perimeters and different areas. 
• Rectangles 2 and 3 have the same area and different perimeters.

Reminder students the perimeter is the distance around the outside of a shape or object and the area is the number of square units needed to cover the space of the shape or object.

Rectangle 1 : side length = 2, side length = 12 

Perimeter: 12 + 12 + 2 + 2 = 28

Area : 2 x 12 = 24

Rectangle 2: side length = 6, side length = 6

Perimeter: 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 = 24

Area : 6 x 6 = 36

Rectangle 3: side length = 4, side length = 9

Perimeter: 9 + 9 + 4 + 4 = 26

Area : 4 x 9 = 36

Rectangle 4: side length = 6, side length = 7

Perimeter: 6 + 6 + 7 + 7 = 26

Area : 6 x 7 = 42

Geometry problems for 3rd graders

Describing, analyzing, and comparing properties of 2D shapes is one of the main concepts of geometry in third-grade math. 

3rd graders must determine whether shapes are considered quadrilaterals from the number of their sides. They describe and draw examples of specific quadrilaterals such as a rectangle and a rhombus and sort shapes according to their sides, angles, and other characteristics. 

This sets a foundation for further investigation of quadrilaterals and triangles in fourth grade and fifth grade where they learn about the hierarchy of quadrilaterals.

Question 35

How many of the shapes are quadrilaterals?

Answer: 5 are quadrilaterals

Provide printouts of the shapes and allow students to cut and sort the shapes into groups such as quadrilaterals or non-quadrilaterals. 

Students may also draw a circle around shapes with four sides.

Question 36

Count and record the number of quadrilaterals with:

• 0 pairs of parallel sides

1 pair of parallel sides

2 pairs of parallel sides

0 parallel sides 

Question 37

Draw the following 2D shapes: 

• A quadrilateral that is not a parallelogram or trapezoids.

Possible extension: ask students to explain why the shape they have drawn is an example of that specific shape.

3 top tips for teaching math problems to 3rd graders

• When exploring multiplication and division concepts, provide multiple opportunities for students to make connections between models, representations, and equations.  Present learners with real-life word problems. Have students use math manipulatives to build concrete models and draw pictures that represent their model and the word problem. Next, ask them to write an equation representing the word problem and their models. Last, prompt students to explain how all three pieces of their work represent the word problem and how they used each to solve the problem.
• Remember the CRA model: Concrete, Representation, Abstract. Understanding multiplication, division, and fractions starts at the concrete phase in 3rd grade, moves into the representation phase, and has many opportunities for the abstract phase. Other skills such as fluently adding and subtracting within 1,000 focus on the representation and abstract phases. There may be some students who need more time in the concrete phase, using manipulatives while others may be more comfortable with drawing pictures and number lines or using the relationship between addition and subtraction as their strategies. Students should always use strategies and models that make sense to them.
• Teach multiplication facts using positive experiences. Avoid focusing on memorization drill worksheets and multiplication tables. Instead provide opportunities to practice in meaningful ways using games, real-world problems, partner and group discussions, and reasoning with manipulatives.

How can Third Space Learning help with 3rd grade math?

STEM-specialist tutors help close learning gaps and address misconceptions for struggling 3rd grade math students. One-on-one online math tutoring sessions help students deepen their understanding of the math curriculum and keep up with difficult math concepts.

Each student works with a private tutor who adapts instruction and math lesson content in real-time according to the student’s needs to accelerate learning.

3rd grade math worksheets and resources 

Looking for more resources? Check out our math games and selection of second grade addition and subtraction worksheets, posters and activities covering the key 3rd grade math topics and more:

• 3rd Grade Fractions Error Analysis  
• 3rd Grade Addition And Subtraction Code Crackers
• 3rd Grade Place Value and Rounding Word Problems
• 3rd Grade CCSS Practice Test 

READ MORE :

• 1st grade math problems
• 2nd grade math problems
• 4th grade math problems
• 5th grade math problems
• 6th Grade Math Problems
• 7th grade math problems
• 8th grade math problems

Frequently asked questions

What math should 3rd graders be doing?

Learners in 3rd grade will spend most of the year building their conceptual understanding of major math skills and concepts such as representing and solving problems involving multiplication and division and developing an understanding of fractions as numbers. They also spend time solving problems about measurement that include time, liquid volume, and finding the area and perimeter of a rectangle.

What are the topics in mathematics in grade 3?

Topics in mathematics in grade 3 include: Representing and solving problems involving multiplication and division Properties of multiplication The relationship between multiplication and division Multiplying and dividing within 100 Patterns in arithmetic Adding and subtracting within 1,000 Understanding fractions as numbers Problem-solving and estimating intervals of time, liquid volumes, and masses of objects Picture graphs, bar graphs, and line plots Area and perimeter Reasoning with shapes and their attributes

What are math facts for 3rd grade?

In third-grade math, learners will fluently multiply and divide within 100 using strategies. While exploring the relationship between multiplication and division, learners will begin to use one operation to help them solve the other operation, such as using 6 x 9 = 54 to help know 54 6 = 9. Although 3rd graders will spend most of their time working with multiplication and division simultaneously, there is an expectation that learners will know from memory all products of two one-digit numbers. Multiplication facts, one of the math facts learners will explore and commit to memory during the elementary grades, are important for 3rd graders to end the year knowing so that they are set up for success in fourth grade and fifth grade where multiplication will many times be one of the steps, if not the first step, to problem-solving as they’re delving deeper into the four operations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.

Do you have students who need extra support in math? Give your students more opportunities to consolidate learning and practice skills through personalized math tutoring with their own dedicated online math tutor. Each student receives differentiated instruction designed to close their individual learning gaps, and scaffolded learning ensures every student learns at the right pace. Lessons are aligned with your state’s standards and assessments, plus you’ll receive regular reports every step of the way. Personalized one-on-one math tutoring programs are available for: – 2nd grade tutoring – 3rd grade tutoring – 4th grade tutoring – 5th grade tutoring – 6th grade tutoring – 7th grade tutoring – 8th grade tutoring Why not learn more about how it works ?

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3rd to 8th Grade Practice Tests

Get ready for your state math test with our 3rd to 8th grade practice assessments. These 6 multiple-choice tests, created by US math experts, cover essential topics and include detailed answers for effective test prep. Aligned with Common Core Standards, they’re the perfect tool to build student confidence.

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Third Grade Math Worksheets

Free grade 3 math worksheets.

Our third grade math worksheets support numeracy development and introduce division, decimals, roman numerals, calendars and concepts in measurement and geometry. Our word problem worksheets review skills in real world scenarios. 

Choose your grade 3 topic:

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Sample Grade 3 Math Worksheet

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CHALLENGE ZONE 3rd Grade Math Problems

Welcome to our 3rd Grade Math Problems. Here you will find our range of challenging math problem worksheets which are designed to give children the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge to solve a range of longer problems.

These problems are also a great way of developing perseverance and getting children to try different approaches in their math.

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3rd Grade Math Problems

Here you will find a range of problem solving worksheets.

The 3rd grade math problems on the sheets are longer math problems designed to encourage children to use a range of math skills to solve them.

The skills the problems will help to develop include:

• systematic working
• logical thinking
• number fact knowledge
• fraction problems
• trial and improvement strategies
• working systematically
• searching for all possible answers.

At third grade, the problems are starting to become more advanced with children needing to become more systematic in their approach and experimenting using trial and improvement strategies.

3rd Grade Math Word Problems

• Bikes and Trikes

Bikes and Trikes is an activity to encourage children to work systematically and find all possibilities for the number of bikes and trikes at a show.

• PDF version
• Captain's Coins

Captain's Coins is a 3rd grade math problem activity involving sharing out a pile of coins according to certain rules. This activity is good to use for developing trial and improvement strategie.

• Broken Calculator Problem 2

The Broken Calculator problem is a number problem involving using an imaginary broken calculator with only the 3, 5, +, - and = buttons working to make different totals.

There are 2 versions of the problem sheet, one with a pre-prepared template for filling in, and a second blank version for children to show their own recording system.

• Blank version
• Color that Shape

Color that Shape is a coloring activity which uses logical thinking to work out which shape needs to be shaded which color.

• Dilly's Eggs #2

Dilly's Eggs is an activity involving counting in different size steps. The aim is to work out how many eggs Dilly had from two separate rules. It is a good activity to develop systematic working and the use of lists or tables to solve a problem.

• Frogs in Ponds

Frogs in Ponds is a 3rd grade math problem activity which involves using trial and improvement and logical thinking to get the correct number of frogs into each of the ponds.

Join Me Up is an logical puzzle where the aim is to place the numbers from 1 to 7 into the puzzle so that no consecutive numbers are next to each other.

Place It RIght #3

Place It Right is a place value activity designed to get children thinking hard about where to put the beads on a place value abacus to get numbers closest to a specific total.

• Place It Right #3
• Sally's Rectangular Puzzle #1

Sally's Rectangular Puzzle is an adding puzzle where the aim is to give each circle a value so that the sides of the rectangles add together to make a given total.

Sally's Fruit Punch Challenge #1

Sally's Fruit Punch is a scaling problem involving changing a recipe for fruit punch for one glass into a recipe for ten glasses. In the challenge, you have to firstly work out the ingredients you need, and then work out the cost of the ingredients. This challenge is great for developing real-life math solving problems involving money and measures.

• Sally's Fruit Punch Challenge 1
• Sally's Fruit Punch Challenge 1 (UK version)
• Share the Treasure #3

Share the Treasure is a fraction sharing activity where the aim is to share 24 bars between a group of pirates. It is a good activity for developing fraction problem solving.

• Spot the Digits

Spot the Digits is a logic activity where children have to find out the values of the letters a, b, c and d. The values can be determined by using the 3 clues.

The Rock Race Challenge 1

The Rock Race is a number activity which needs some perseverance to complete. The aim of the activity is to try different routes around the 6 rocks to determine which route is the shortest.

• The Rock Race #1

The Three Spiders Problem

The Three Spiders Problem is another problem which involves finding all the possibilites. The aim of this task is to find all triples of odd numbers that add up to 23. Good for odd and even practice as well as adding three small numbers together and strategic thinking.

• Three Spiders Problem

Looking for some easier math problems?

We have a range of easier word problems at our 2nd-grade-math-salamanders website.

The problems on this page are at a simpler level than those here.

Many of the problems, e.g. Place It Right, Pick the Cards and Share the Treasure have easier versions on this page.

Using the link below will open our 2nd grade site in a new tab.

• Second grade Math Problems

Looking for some harder word problems

We have a range of more challenging word problems on our 4th grade problem solving page.

The problems on this page are at a trickier level than those here.

Some of the problems, e.g. The Rock Race and Share the Treasure have harder versions on this page.

• 4th Grade Math Problems

Looking for some more third grade math problems?

Here are a range of problems solving sheets for 3rd graders. Most of the sheets contain 'real-life' problems which involve real data.

Using the sheets will help your child to:

• apply their addition, subtraction, and multiplication skills;
• develop their knowledge of fractions;
• apply their knowledge of rounding and place value;
• solve a range of 'real life' problems.

All the 3rd grade sheets in this section support Elementary math benchmarks.

• Math Word Problems for kids 3rd Grade
• Multiplication Word Problem Worksheets 3rd Grade

3rd Grade Money Worksheets

On this webpage, you will find our 3rd grade Money Challenges.

These challenges involve solving money problems and are a great way for kids to develop their reasoning skills and practice their counting money at the same time.

• 3rd Grade Money Challenges
• 3rd Grade Math Puzzles

Here you will find a range of printable 3rd grade math puzzles for your child to enjoy.

The puzzles will help your child practice and apply their addition, subtraction and multiplication facts as well as developing their thinking and reasoning skills in a fun and engaging way.

Using these puzzles will help your child to:

• learn and practice their addition facts to 100;
• practice adding multiples of 10;
• practice their subtraction facts to 100;
• practice multiplication and division facts;
• develop problem solving skills and reasoning.

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