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Fluent adding and subtracting within 1000

Fluently add and subtract within 1000 using strategies and algorithms based on place value, properties of operations, and the relationship between addition and subtraction

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What a learner can do afterwards

  • Add two three-digit numbers fluently using an efficient method
  • Subtract three-digit numbers fluently, including with regrouping
  • Choose the most efficient strategy based on the numbers involved

The lesson

Being fluent means you add and subtract three-digit numbers quickly and correctly. You already know how to regroup ones, tens, and hundreds. Now the goal is speed: pick whichever strategy fits the numbers in front of you.

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Mia adds 298 + 156. She notices 298 is close to 300, so she adds 2 to make it 300, then adds 156: 300 + 156 = 456. Last, she subtracts back the 2 she added: 456 − 2 = 454.
Try it together

Jamal subtracts 672 − 348 with the written method. Ones: 2 is less than 8, so he regroups a ten: 12 − 8 = 4. Tens: 6 − 4 = 2. Hundreds: 6 − 3 = 3. The answer is 324.

Good to know

Look at the numbers first. If one is close to a round number like 300 or 500, rounding and adjusting can be faster. If the numbers don't round nicely, the written method with regrouping works every time.

Fluent means fast and correct: round and adjust for friendly numbers, and regroup for the rest.

Watch it

Where it sits

Where this leads

Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.

Then practise

8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.

Fluent adding and subtracting within 1000 · Mathematics, ages 8 to 9 · LightMySky