Virginia SOL 3.NS.4.c
The Standard
Compare the values of two sets of coins or two sets of bills and coins, up to $5.00, with words (greater than, less than, equal to) and/or symbols (>, <, =) using concrete or pictorial models.
Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will solve problems, including those in context, that involve counting, comparing, representing, and making change for money amounts up to $5.00.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students find the total value of each set of coins or mixed bills and coins. They compare the totals using greater than, less than, equal to, or the matching symbols.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students accurately total each set, even when bills and coins are mixed. They choose the correct comparison word or symbol and can justify it using the totals.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may compare the number or size of coins instead of their total value. They may count coins by ones, confuse coin values, or reverse the > and < symbols.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Set A has two $1 bills, three quarters, and two dimes. Set B has three $1 bills. Find both totals, write A <, >, or = B, and explain your choice.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs of students play coins and bills, then have them build, total, and compare two amounts under $5.
Show two money sets and ask, “Which is worth more, and how do you know?” Students write a two-sentence explanation.
Play Money Compare War with picture cards, where students total each card and keep both after stating the correct comparison.
Use a classroom store menu and ask students to compare two purchase totals, then decide which costs more or whether they are equal.
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Printable 3.NS.4.c Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 3.NS.4.c, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- 2.NS.4.c
Construct a set of coins and/or bills to total a given amount of money whose value is $2.00 or less.
- 3.NS.2.a
Compare two whole numbers, each 9,999 or less, using symbols (>, <, =, ≠) and/or words (greater than, less than, equal to, not equal to), with and without model...
- 4.NS.4.e
Compare using symbols (<, >, =) and/or words (greater than, less than, equal to) and order (least to greatest and greatest to least), a set of no more than four...
- 3.NS.4.b
Construct a set of bills and coins to total a given amount of money whose value is $5.00 or less.
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