Primary 3 Mathematics Syllabus in Singapore
The Primary 3 mathematics syllabus consists of 3 main branches – Numbers, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics , in which almost 80% of these topics demand problem-solving abilities. Let us take a problem-solving perspective and examine these topics
Score Weightage in Mathematics Problem-Solving
In some of the top schools, the score weightage for heuristic problem-solving is as high as 68% in the Singapore Primary 3 mathematics syllabus. This weightage reflects the importance placed on problem-solving skills in the mid-year weighted-assessment (WA) and end-of-year (EYE) mathematics examinations. Questions involving Whole Numbers, Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Money, Length, Mass, Volume, and Bar Graphs are commonly assessed through multiple-choice questions (MCQs), Open-ended questions and word problems.
Essential Math Concepts and Methods
Mathematical problem-solving requires an understanding of various concepts and methods. Here are the essential math concepts and methods that are important for your child’s development:
These math concepts help your child identify the characteristics of different problem types and apply appropriate problem-solving methods.
Breakdown of Topics and Examples
To further enhance your child’s problem-solving abilities, it’s important to practice solving math problems in specific topics. Below, you will find a breakdown of topics that demand problem-solving abilities, along with examples of math problems in each topic. Explore these examples to reinforce your child’s understanding and application of the math concepts and methods mentioned earlier.
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Primary 3 Maths: Numbers
Whole Numbers, Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Fractions, and Money are the Primary 3 math topics in the Numbers category. The majority of them demand problem-solving abilities.
Numbers up to 10,000
- Count in hundreds & thousands
- Determine the place values in thousands, hundreds, tens & ones
- Read & write numbers in numerals & in words
- Compare & order numbers
- Complete number in pattern sequences
Addition & Subtraction
- Add & subtract 4-digit numbers
- Solve addition & subtraction word problems
Multiplication & Division
- Multiply & divide with multiplication tables of 6 to 9
- Division with remainder
- Multiply & divide 3-digits by 1-digit
- Solve number word problems with addition, subtraction, multiplication & division
Fractions
- Equivalent fractions
- Simplify a fraction
- Compare & order fractions
- Write equivalent fractions
- Add and subtract 2 related fractions
Money
- Add and subtract money in decimals
- Solve money word problems in decimal with addition and subtraction
Primary 3 Maths: Measurement and Geometry
The Measurement and Geometry category in Primary 3 math includes topics such as Length, Mass, Volume, Time, Area, Perimeter, Angles, Perpendicular Lines, and Parallel Lines. Problem-solving abilities are particularly important for topics like Length, Mass, Volume, and Time.
Length, Mass & Volume
- Measure length in km & volume in mℓ
- Measure length/ mass/ volume in compound units
- Convert between km, m & cm
- Convert between kg & g
- Convert between ℓ & mℓ
- Solve word problems involving length/ mass/ volume
Time
- Tell time to the minutes
- Use of “past” and “to” in time
- Measure time in hours & minutes
- Convert time between hours & minutes to minutes
- Solve problems involving time
Area & Perimeter
- Find area and perimeter of a plane figure
- Measure area in cm² & m²
- Find perimeter of rectilinear figure, rectangle & square
- Find area of rectangle & square
Geometry
- Identify right angle, acute angles & obtuse angles
- Identify perpendicular & parallel lines
- Draw perpendicular & parallel lines
Primary 3 Maths: Statistics
Data Analysis, including the interpretation and analysis of Bar Graphs, is a primary school math topic in Primary 3 that demands problem-solving abilities.
Bar Graphs
- Read bar graphs
- Interpreting data
- Solve problems involving bar graphs & its data
Primary 3 Maths: Problem-Solving
The Singapore Ministry of Education has established 11 problem-solving heuristics for primary mathematics learning. The use of these heuristics is covered in our Primary 3 BIGMath™ Lessons. Among the concepts and methods taught are Assumption, Constant Difference, Constant Total, Division, Equal Amount (At First), Equal Amount (End), Guess-and-Check, More than/Less than, Multiplication, Part-whole, Repeated Identity, Unchanged Identity, and Working Backwards. The following are some instances of word problems from prior years’ exams that need problem-solving skills.
Assumption Concept
(Money)
Constant Difference Concept
(Whole Numbers)
Constant Total Concept
(Whole Numbers)
Division Concept
(Volume)
Equal Amount (At First) Concept
(Whole Numbers)
Guess & Check Concept
(Money)
More than/Less than Concept
(Time)
Multiplication Concept
(Length)
Part-Whole Concept
(Fractions)
Repeated Identity Concept
(Mass)
Unchanged Identity Concept
(Volume)
Working Backwards Concept
(Volume)
Equal Amount (End) Concept
(Bar Graphs)
