1st Grade · Operations & Algebraic Thinking
1.OA.B.3: Apply properties of operations as strategies
1.OA.B.3 is a 1st grade Common Core math standard in Operations & Algebraic Thinking. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract. Examples: If 8 + 3 = 11 is known, then 3 + 8 = 11 is also known. (Commutative property of addition.) To add 2 + 6 + 4, the second two numbers can be added to make a ten, so 2 + 6 + 4 = 2 + 10 = 12. (Associative property of addition.)
In plain words
Apply properties of operations as strategies.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
If you know that 7 + 3 = 10, what is 3 + 7?
- 3
- 10
- 7
Where students can get stuck
- Counting on from the smaller number, solving 2 + 9 by starting at 2 and counting on 9, instead of starting at 9.
- Switching the numbers around in subtraction too, believing 3 - 8 is the same as 8 - 3 and writing 5 for both.
- Adding three numbers strictly left to right, missing the ten sitting in plain sight in 7 + 4 + 3 and slipping while counting.
Effective teaching strategies
- Build 2 + 9 and 9 + 2 with linking cubes, snapping them together both ways, and ask which starting number makes counting on faster and why.
- Let students try 7 − 2 and then 2 − 7 with cubes, and talk about why addition can be turned around but subtraction cannot.
- Write 7 + 4 + 3 and ask students to circle the pair that makes ten, then add the remaining number to that ten to find 14.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 1.OA.B.3 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Bridges in Mathematics
enVision Mathematics
Eureka Math
Eureka Math²
Everyday Mathematics
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Math Expressions
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Adding in any order to make it easier for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice problem solving at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice 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 for every family.
See how it works for teachers
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.