Grade 3 maths: count, group and explain
Explore three-digit numbers and equal groups using objects or drawings before moving to symbols. Each task below includes a reason, not just an answer.
See hundreds, tens and ones
Write 246 as 200 + 40 + 6. When adding 35, add 30 first and then 5: 246 + 30 = 276, and 276 + 5 = 281. This keeps each place value visible.
For subtraction, try counting up to check. If 63 − 28 = 35, then 28 + 35 should return to 63. Use bundled sticks or drawn tens to explain regrouping.
Build equal groups
Place four buttons in each of three circles. The total is 4 + 4 + 4 = 12, which can also be written as 3 × 4. Unequal groups cannot be counted by one repeated multiplication fact.
Try a home activity: draw five snack plates with two pieces on each. Count all the pieces, then write the matching addition and multiplication sentences.
Try the questions
No timer, account or saved answers. Choose an option to see an explanation.
Printable practice
Write your answer and explain your thinking. Answers appear on a separate printed page.
- What is 246 + 35?
271 · 281 · 291
- Four baskets hold 3 oranges each. How many oranges?
7 · 12 · 16
- What is 63 − 28?
35 · 45 · 41
Answer key and explanations
- 281 — Add 30 to reach 276, then add 5 to reach 281.
- 12 — There are 4 equal groups of 3: 4 × 3 = 12.
- 35 — 63 − 20 = 43; 43 − 8 = 35. Check: 28 + 35 = 63.