How it works: a quick refresher
The rules this worksheet practices, then one problem worked from start to finish.
| Strategy | How it works |
|---|---|
| Two columns can regroup in one problem | Finish the ones, including the carry, before you decide about the tens. |
| A zero cannot lend | In 604 − 278 the tens digit is 0, so the hundreds must lend first: 6 hundreds become 5 hundreds and 10 tens. |
| Then the tens can lend to the ones | Those 10 tens become 9 tens and 14 ones. Now subtract: 14 − 8, 9 − 7, 5 − 2. |
| Estimate to catch a slip | 604 − 278 is about 600 − 300 = 300, so an answer near 30 or 3,000 is a place-value error. |
| Check by adding back | The difference plus the number you subtracted should return the top number. |
Worked example
Find 604 − 278.
- 1Ones: 4 is less than 8, and the tens digit is 0, so regroup from the hundreds.
- 26 hundreds become 5 hundreds and 10 tens. Then 10 tens become 9 tens and 14 ones.
- 314 − 8 = 6, 9 − 7 = 2, and 5 − 2 = 3.
- 4604 − 278 = 326. Check: 326 + 278 = 604.
Ready-made versions
Three fixed versions you can link to or share. Each is a PDF with its own answer key.
- Mixed fluency Worksheets, version 1Worksheet PDFAnswer key PDF
- Mixed fluency Worksheets, version 2Worksheet PDFAnswer key PDF
- Mixed fluency Worksheets, version 3Worksheet PDFAnswer key PDF
Grade level and standard
Written for 3rd grade math (place value) and aligned to CCSS 3.NBT.A.2. It also works as review in later grades.
Common questions
- Is there an answer key?
- Yes. Every worksheet has a matching answer key with each answer worked on the same grid or layout as the question. The worksheet ID printed at the bottom of each page pairs a sheet with its key.
- How is this different from the grade 2 within-1000 pages?
- Grade 2 separates problems that regroup from problems that do not. These pages are the fluency step: every problem regroups, and one section is only subtraction across a zero.
- Are sums allowed to go over 999?
- No. Both numbers are three-digit, and every sum is 999 or less.
- How many different versions are there?
- About a million per skill. Each time you press the button the problems are generated fresh, so you can print a different version for every student, a retake, or another night of practice.
- Are the worksheets free?
- Yes. They are free to print and copy for your home or classroom, with no sign-up.
