Grade 3 Subtraction (3 digits) - Medium
A medium grade 3 worksheet for Subtraction.
Worksheet snapshot
- Subtraction (3-digit)
- Key concepts: Understanding core subtraction (within 10) concepts for Grade 3; Applying subtraction (within 10) strategies appropriate to Grade 3
- Students develop fluency with subtraction (within 10) at Grade 3 level, applying strategies more independently and solving increasingly complex problems.
- Apply it: Subtraction (within 10) at the Grade 3 level connects to everyday situations students encounter: problem-solving in daily life, making sense of quantities and relationships, and building mathematical literacy for future learning.
- 70 - 8 =
- 76 - 18 =
- 4 - 1 =
About Subtraction (within 10)
Subtraction is the operation of finding the difference between quantities or removing a part from a whole. Students learn to see subtraction as both 'taking away' and 'finding the difference,' developing flexibility in their mathematical thinking.
Subtraction is fundamental to mathematics and everyday life. It's used for comparing quantities, calculating change, measuring differences, and solving problems involving 'how many more' or 'how many left.' Strong subtraction skills support learning negative numbers, algebraic thinking, and proportional reasoning.
Subtraction (3-digit)
Grade 3 students work with subtraction (within 10): Subtract up to 3-digit numbers; borrow/regroup where needed.
This medium level worksheet:
Students develop fluency with subtraction (within 10) at Grade 3 level, applying strategies more independently and solving increasingly complex problems.
Key Concepts
- Understanding core subtraction (within 10) concepts for Grade 3
- Applying subtraction (within 10) strategies appropriate to Grade 3
- Connecting subtraction (within 10) to real-world contexts
- Building fluency with Grade 3 subtraction (within 10) skills
Prerequisite skills
Students should have mastered concepts from earlier subtraction (within 10) work or related topics. Review and assess prerequisite understanding before introducing new Grade 3 content.
Teaching Strategies
For Grade 3 subtraction (within 10): Use age-appropriate manipulatives and visual models. Connect to students' experiences and interests. Build from concrete to abstract understanding. Provide multiple examples at each difficulty level. Encourage explanation of thinking. Use formative assessment to guide instruction.
Assessment ideas
Test fact fluency with timed checks. Include subtraction word problems requiring interpretation. Ask students to explain their strategy. Have students check subtraction using addition. Present problems requiring regrouping and evaluate understanding.
Common Challenges
Grade 3 students often struggle with the conceptual demands of subtraction (within 10) at this level. They may have difficulty with prerequisite skills, abstract thinking required, or applying concepts to new situations. Use concrete models, break concepts into smaller steps, and provide ample practice time.
Real-World Applications
Subtraction (within 10) at the Grade 3 level connects to everyday situations students encounter: problem-solving in daily life, making sense of quantities and relationships, and building mathematical literacy for future learning.
Extension Activities
Challenge advanced Grade 3 students with: more complex subtraction (within 10) problems, connections to other math topics, open-ended investigations, real-world project applications, and opportunities to explain their mathematical thinking.
Parent Tips
Support your Grade 3 student's subtraction (within 10) learning at home: practice in natural daily situations, use encouraging language about math, celebrate effort and progress, provide a quiet space for homework, and communicate with the teacher about your child's needs and progress.