Word problems set at a school fair, applying three-digit addition and subtraction for Year 3 maths. Across three parts pupils total lengths of bunting, work out money left after buying prizes, and use estimating or inverse operations to test a claim about bouncy castle visitors. Worked solutions are included. Matches two England National Curriculum addition and subtraction objectives.
Number — addition and subtraction
“Add and subtract numbers with up to three digits, using formal written methods of columnar addition and subtraction”
The fair contexts all resolve to three-digit column calculations.
Number — addition and subtraction
“Estimate the answer to a calculation and use inverse operations to check answers”
The final question asks for an estimate or inverse check as evidence.
Addition problems such as joining 145 metres of red bunting to 238 metres of blue.
Multi-step problems, including spending £182 on cuddly toys and £145 on board games.
A reasoning question where pupils check whether exactly 845 children used the bouncy castle.
Detailed worked solutions for every problem.
Applying skills
Use after column methods are secure to put them into context.
Homework
The fair story carries pupils through all three parts without help.
Assessment check
The final question separates pupils who calculate from pupils who can justify.
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