Grade 3 · Measurement & Data · MAT-03-MD-005
Solve Mass and Liquid-Volume Word Problems
Represent solve mass and liquid-volume word problems with words, symbols, diagrams, or models appropriate to Grade 3.
Learning objectives
What you should be able to do
- Represent solve mass and liquid-volume word problems with words, symbols, diagrams, or models appropriate to Grade 3.
- Solve problems involving solve mass and liquid-volume word problems accurately and explain why the method works.
- Check results for reasonableness using a second representation, inverse relationship, benchmark, or property when appropriate.
Prerequisite check
Make sure the foundation is ready.
Checks conceptual readiness before new Grade 3 reasoning.
Checks whether prior skills are available for use, not only recalled by name.
Learn
Build the idea from meaning, not memorization.
Meaning of Solve Mass and Liquid-Volume Word Problems
Mass and volume problems combine measurement meaning with the four operations on whole numbers.
A reliable reasoning strategy
Identify the unit and the relationship among quantities before selecting an operation.
Representations that should agree
A labeled equation keeps the numerical operation connected to grams, kilograms, or liters. A correct model, equation, verbal explanation, or diagram should preserve the same quantities and relationships.
How to check the result
Check whether the answer fits the quantities, units, and structure of the problem. Use a second representation or inverse relationship when available, and explain what would make an answer unreasonable.
Interactive math lab
Change it. See what stays true.
Equation Balance
Adjust both sides. Equality means both expressions have the same value.
Balanced: both sides have equal value.
- build a model
- change one quantity
- predict before calculating
- explain why the result changes
Worked examples
Twenty different ways to see the concept work.
One container holds 13 liters and another holds 7 liters. How many liters altogether?
13 + 7 = 20Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
One container holds 16 liters and another holds 9 liters. How many liters altogether?
16 + 9 = 25Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
One container holds 19 liters and another holds 11 liters. How many liters altogether?
19 + 11 = 30Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
One container holds 22 liters and another holds 13 liters. How many liters altogether?
22 + 13 = 35Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
One container holds 25 liters and another holds 15 liters. How many liters altogether?
25 + 15 = 40Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
One container holds 28 liters and another holds 17 liters. How many liters altogether?
28 + 17 = 45Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
One container holds 31 liters and another holds 19 liters. How many liters altogether?
31 + 19 = 50Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
One container holds 34 liters and another holds 21 liters. How many liters altogether?
34 + 21 = 55Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
One container holds 37 liters and another holds 23 liters. How many liters altogether?
37 + 23 = 60Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
One container holds 40 liters and another holds 5 liters. How many liters altogether?
40 + 5 = 45Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
One container holds 43 liters and another holds 7 liters. How many liters altogether?
43 + 7 = 50Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
One container holds 46 liters and another holds 9 liters. How many liters altogether?
46 + 9 = 55Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
One container holds 49 liters and another holds 11 liters. How many liters altogether?
49 + 11 = 60Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
One container holds 12 liters and another holds 13 liters. How many liters altogether?
12 + 13 = 25Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
One container holds 15 liters and another holds 15 liters. How many liters altogether?
15 + 15 = 30Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
One container holds 18 liters and another holds 17 liters. How many liters altogether?
18 + 17 = 35Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
One container holds 21 liters and another holds 19 liters. How many liters altogether?
21 + 19 = 40Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
One container holds 24 liters and another holds 21 liters. How many liters altogether?
24 + 21 = 45Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
One container holds 27 liters and another holds 23 liters. How many liters altogether?
27 + 23 = 50Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
One container holds 30 liters and another holds 5 liters. How many liters altogether?
30 + 5 = 35Add because the problem asks for the combined liquid volume.
Practice
Guided practice with hints
01One container holds 23 liters and another holds 7 liters. How many liters altogether?
Hint: Identify the unit and the relationship among quantities before selecting an operation.
Answer: 30 liters
02One container holds 26 liters and another holds 9 liters. How many liters altogether?
Hint: Identify the unit and the relationship among quantities before selecting an operation.
Answer: 35 liters
03One container holds 29 liters and another holds 11 liters. How many liters altogether?
Hint: Identify the unit and the relationship among quantities before selecting an operation.
Answer: 40 liters
04One container holds 32 liters and another holds 13 liters. How many liters altogether?
Hint: Identify the unit and the relationship among quantities before selecting an operation.
Answer: 45 liters
05One container holds 35 liters and another holds 15 liters. How many liters altogether?
Hint: Identify the unit and the relationship among quantities before selecting an operation.
Answer: 50 liters
06One container holds 38 liters and another holds 17 liters. How many liters altogether?
Hint: Identify the unit and the relationship among quantities before selecting an operation.
Answer: 55 liters
Practice
Independent practice
01One container holds 43 liters and another holds 7 liters. How many liters altogether?
Answer: 50 liters
02One container holds 46 liters and another holds 9 liters. How many liters altogether?
Answer: 55 liters
03One container holds 49 liters and another holds 11 liters. How many liters altogether?
Answer: 60 liters
04One container holds 12 liters and another holds 13 liters. How many liters altogether?
Answer: 25 liters
05One container holds 15 liters and another holds 15 liters. How many liters altogether?
Answer: 30 liters
06One container holds 18 liters and another holds 17 liters. How many liters altogether?
Answer: 35 liters
07One container holds 21 liters and another holds 19 liters. How many liters altogether?
Answer: 40 liters
08One container holds 24 liters and another holds 21 liters. How many liters altogether?
Answer: 45 liters
Common mistakes
Learn to catch the error, not just the answer.
Write the unit with each known quantity and with the final answer.
Reconnect the answer to solve mass and liquid-volume word problems and verify that the model, calculation, and label describe the same quantity.
Applications & challenge
Use the idea beyond a single exercise.
Applications
- Combine, compare, and share measured quantities.
- Use solve mass and liquid-volume word problems to interpret or solve a Grade 3 situation with quantities, diagrams, measurements, or data.
Challenge problems
One container holds 23 liters and another holds 7 liters. How many liters altogether?
30 liters
One container holds 26 liters and another holds 9 liters. How many liters altogether?
35 liters
One container holds 29 liters and another holds 11 liters. How many liters altogether?
40 liters
One container holds 32 liters and another holds 13 liters. How many liters altogether?
45 liters
Flashcards
Retrieve it from memory.
Flashcards
Card 1 of 4
Game mode
Solve Mass and Liquid-Volume Word Problems Challenge
Solve and explain Grade 3 problems involving solve mass and liquid-volume word problems without relying on answer guessing.
Practice
Mastery check
01One container holds 43 liters and another holds 7 liters. How many liters altogether?
Answer: 50 liters
02One container holds 46 liters and another holds 9 liters. How many liters altogether?
Answer: 55 liters
03One container holds 49 liters and another holds 11 liters. How many liters altogether?
Answer: 60 liters
04One container holds 12 liters and another holds 13 liters. How many liters altogether?
Answer: 25 liters
05One container holds 15 liters and another holds 15 liters. How many liters altogether?
Answer: 30 liters
06One container holds 18 liters and another holds 17 liters. How many liters altogether?
Answer: 35 liters
07One container holds 21 liters and another holds 19 liters. How many liters altogether?
Answer: 40 liters
08One container holds 24 liters and another holds 21 liters. How many liters altogether?
Answer: 45 liters
Terminology
Words to know
- measurement equation
- An equation whose quantities carry measurement units.
- unit
- A defined amount used to express a measurement.
Continue learning
Connected concepts
Curriculum references
Standards and instructional references
California Common Core State Standards for Mathematics — Grade 3, 3.MD.2
Primary standards alignment for Solve Mass and Liquid-Volume Word Problems.2023 Mathematics Framework for California Public Schools
Instructional emphasis on reasoning, representations, problem solving, and equitable access.