Worked Example 1
Counting Unit Squares
A rectangle is covered by 4 rows of unit squares with 5 squares in each row. What is its area?
- 1Count all the unit squares: 4 rows of 5.
- 25 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 20
Answer: 20 square units
Florida Grade 3 Math · Geometric Reasoning
MA.3.GR.2.1: Exploring Area
What this Grade 3 benchmark means, worked examples, common mistakes, and a free printable worksheet.
Created by a Florida mom · Published by Tropical Learning LLC
What Is Benchmark MA.3.GR.2.1?
Area is the amount of space inside a flat figure. Students measure it by covering the figure with unit squares, with no gaps or overlaps, and counting them.
A unit square is a square with sides 1 unit long. Area is written in square units, such as square centimeters or square inches. Figures are no bigger than 12 units by 12 units.
Official benchmarkExplore area as an attribute of a two-dimensional figure by covering the figure with unit squares without gaps or overlaps. Find areas of rectangles by counting unit squares.
On the FAST test: part of the Grade 3 reporting category Number Sense and Multiplicative Reasoning, which is about 23–29% of the test.
Worked Examples
Worked Example 2
Square Centimeters
Each square is 1 square centimeter. A rectangle is covered by 3 rows of 6 squares. What is its area?
- 1Count the squares: 6 + 6 + 6 = 18
- 2Each square is 1 square centimeter.
Answer: 18 square centimeters
Common Mistakes to Watch For
Counting around the edge instead of inside
Wrong:A rectangle 3 units by 4 units has an area of 14.
14 is the distance around (perimeter). Count the squares inside: 12 square units.
Leaving out the word "square"
Wrong:The area is 12 centimeters.
Area is counted in squares: 12 square centimeters.
Helpful Math Tip
Cover a book or a placemat with sticky notes or crackers (no gaps, no overlaps) and count them. That count is the area in "sticky-note units."
Related Grade 3 Skills
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Start Practicing FreeIndependent 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.