CCSS.Math.Content.3.NBT.A.2
The Standard
Fluently add and subtract within 1000 using strategies and algorithms based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics · Number and Operations in Base Ten
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students add and subtract numbers up to 1,000 with accurate place-value reasoning. They break apart numbers, regroup when needed, and use addition to check subtraction.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student chooses an efficient method, lines up hundreds, tens, and ones, and gets accurate answers. The student can explain each regrouping step and check a difference with addition.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may line up digits incorrectly, regroup without adjusting the next place, or treat a zero as if nothing can be exchanged. They may subtract the smaller digit from the larger digit in each column, regardless of number order.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Solve 368 + 457 and 704 - 286. Show place-value steps, then check the subtraction with addition.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs base-ten blocks to model 347 + 286 and 602 - 178, recording each trade beside the model.
Show two solutions for 563 - 248, one correct and one with a regrouping error, and ask students to defend their choice.
Students draw three digit cards twice, form two numbers, add or subtract them, then earn a point by checking correctly.
Use a school store inventory: start with 725 pencils, sell 268, receive 149 more, and find the new total.
Free download
Printable 3.NBT.A.2 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.Math.Content.3.NBT.A.2, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetLearning progression
Where This Standard Sits
See the whole path on the Number & Operations in Base Ten progression map.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
- CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.A.1
Fluent addition and subtraction within 1000 require understanding hundreds, tens, and ones for composing, decomposing, and regrouping numbers.
- CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.B.7
Third grade fluency depends on knowing place-value addition and subtraction within 1000, including composing and decomposing tens and hundreds.
- CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.B.5
Fluent two-digit addition and subtraction with place value and regrouping are needed for extending the same methods to three-digit numbers.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
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