Florida Grade 1 Math · Geometric Reasoning

MA.1.GR.1.3: Putting Shapes Together and Taking Them Apart

What this Grade 1 benchmark means, worked examples, common mistakes, and a free printable worksheet.

Created by a Florida mom · Published by Tropical Learning LLC

Download Free Worksheet (PDF)See worked examples

What Is Benchmark MA.1.GR.1.3?

Children compose (put together) and decompose (take apart) flat shapes and solid shapes, with no gaps or overlaps. For example, 6 triangles can make a hexagon, and a semi-circle and a triangle can make an ice cream cone picture.

This is the same idea as putting numbers together and breaking them apart. Flat and solid shapes are not combined in the same picture or model.

Official benchmarkCompose and decompose two- and three-dimensional figures. Figures are limited to semi-circles, triangles, rectangles, squares, trapezoids, hexagons, cubes, rectangular prisms, cones and cylinders.

How it is tested: Grade 1 students take FAST Star Math, Florida's math test for Kindergarten through Grade 2.

Worked Examples

Worked Example 1

Making a Rectangle

Put two same-size squares side by side. What shape do they make?

1The squares share one side, with no gap and no overlap.
2The new shape has 4 sides and 4 square corners, and it is longer than it is tall.

Answer: A rectangle

Worked Example 2

Taking a Hexagon Apart

A hexagon is split into 2 equal pieces with 4 sides each. What are the pieces?

1Each piece has 4 sides and looks like the red pattern-block trapezoid.
2Two of these pieces fit together to make the hexagon.

Answer: 2 trapezoids

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Leaving gaps or overlaps

Wrong:Pattern blocks that overlap are used to fill a hexagon outline.

The pieces must fit together exactly, with no gaps and no overlaps.

Thinking there is only one way

Wrong:A hexagon can only be made from triangles.

A hexagon can be 6 triangles, 2 trapezoids, or 1 trapezoid and 3 triangles.

Helpful Math Tip

Play with pattern blocks, tangrams, or building blocks. Ask, "Can you make the same shape a different way?"

Related Grade 1 Skills

MA.1.GR.1.1

Identifying and Sorting Shapes

MA.1.FR.1.1

Halves and Fourths

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Independent Educational Platform. FastChomp is published by Tropical Learning LLC and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Florida Department of Education. FAST and Star assessment names are referenced for informational purposes only. FastChomp practice questions are original educational materials, not official Florida FAST assessment questions.