CCSS.Math.Content.2.OA.C.3

Math2nd GradeWork with equal groups of objects to gain foundations for multiplication.

The standard

Determine whether a group of objects (up to 20) has an odd or even number of members, e.g., by pairing objects or counting them by 2s; write an equation to express an even number as a sum of two equal addends.

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Operations and Algebraic Thinking

What this standard means

Students need to decide if a set up to 20 is odd or even. They can do this by making pairs, counting by twos, or splitting the set into two equal groups. For even numbers, they also write an equation with two equal addends, such as 8 = 4 + 4.

Mastery looks like a student sorting numbers or objects as odd or even and explaining why. They should connect “no leftovers” with even and “one leftover” with odd. Common trouble spots are counting pairs incorrectly, thinking any two-addend equation works, or writing 10 = 6 + 4 instead of equal addends.

Ways to teach it

  • Give each student 17 counters and have them pair them up, record odd or even, then repeat with three new numbers.
  • Ask students to write: Is 14 odd or even, and how do your pairs or equal groups prove it?
  • Show 12 dots on a card and ask students to write an equal-addends equation on a sticky note.
  • Look at shoes in a classroom line and ask whether the total number of shoes will always be odd or even.

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Related standards

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    Use addition to find the total number of objects arranged in rectangular arrays with up to 5 rows and up to 5 columns; write an equation to express the total as...

  • CCSS.Math.Content.K.CC.C.6

    Identify whether the number of objects in one group is greater than, less than, or equal to the number of objects in another group, e.g., by using matching and ...

  • CCSS.Math.Content.K.OA.A.4

    For any number from 1 to 9, find the number that makes 10 when added to the given number, e.g., by using objects or drawings, and record the answer with a drawi...

  • CCSS.Math.Content.K.OA.A.3

    Decompose numbers less than or equal to 10 into pairs in more than one way, e.g., by using objects or drawings, and record each decomposition by a drawing or eq...

Standard text verified against corestandards.org on July 10, 2026.

Page updated July 10, 2026.

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