Saxon Math Grade 3, Section 4: Fractions Time & Measurement
In this unit, your child names fractions, places them on a number line, tells time to the minute, and measures mass and liquid volume. They learn that a fraction like 2/3 means 2 of 3 equal parts and solve elapsed-time problems on a clock. Division from the last unit helps with equal parts, and area, perimeter, and polygons come next.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
What is my child learning in Section 4?
- Naming fractions like 2/3, where the denominator, the bottom number, tells how many equal parts make the whole. Learn more: What a fraction like 3/4 means
- Placing halves, thirds, and fourths on a number line by marking equal spaces between 0 and 1. Learn more: Fractions on a number line
- Reading clocks to the minute and finding elapsed time, such as 1 hour 25 minutes from 9:15 to 10:40. Learn more about telling time to the minute: Telling time to the minute · Learn more about working out how many minutes have passed
- Measuring mass in grams and kilograms and liquid volume in liters, and choosing which unit fits an object best. Learn more: Weighing things and measuring liquids
Sample questions to try together
These are real questions from our practice. Tap the speaker to hear one read aloud, or the light bulb for a hint, and talk about the answer together.
Question 1 of 3
Tariq is painting this paper strip blue for a class banner. So far he has painted the blue parts. What fraction of the strip does he still need to paint?
- 5/3
- 3/8
- 5/8
How you can help
- Break a granola bar into 3 equal pieces and ask your child to name one piece, two pieces, and all three as fractions.
- Ask how long a trip to the library or a playdate lasted, such as 9:15 to 10:40, and count it out together (1 hour 25 minutes).
- Fill a 1-liter bottle at the sink, pour it into a pitcher or pot, and ask your child to guess and then count how many bottles it holds.
Where kids can get stuck
- Thinking 1/3 is smaller than 1/4 because 3 is less than 4.
- Counting the tick marks instead of the spaces, so thirds get placed as fourths.
- Reading the minute hand as the number it points to, so 9:15 becomes 9:03.
Practice makes perfect
Bobby's Math Club has practice problems that adapt to your child’s level, each with a detailed explanation and an easy-to-follow video, so your child can build confidence in these skills one step at a time.
Words your child will hear
- fraction
- A number that names equal parts of a whole.
- numerator
- The top number in a fraction, counting the parts we are talking about.
- denominator
- The bottom number in a fraction, naming how many equal parts the whole has.
- number line
- A straight line marked with numbers in order, with equal spaces between them.
- elapsed time
- How much time passes from the start to the end of something.
- minute hand
- The longer clock hand, which goes all the way around once an hour.
- mass
- How much matter is in an object, measured in grams or kilograms.
- liter
- A unit for measuring how much liquid fits in a container.
Ready to build your child’s confidence with fractions and telling time?
In Bobby's Math Club, your child practices these skills at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free.
Join the club
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.
Which math standards does Saxon Math Grade 3 Section 4 cover?
Saxon Math Grade 3 Section 4 covers these math standards. Each one links to what it means, sample questions, and teaching strategies.
For teachers: Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence. Learn how Bobby's Math Club can help your students grow.