GRADE 3 · ALBERTAOUTCOME AB-G3-3N1
L1 · Counting nickels, dimes and quarters: the value in cents
Learning goal
“I can count a collection of nickels, dimes and quarters, say the total in cents, and write it with the cent sign.”
Nickel — the coin worth 5 cents. Count nickels by 5s.
Dime — the coin worth 10 cents. Count dimes by 10s.
Quarter — the coin worth 25 cents. Count quarters by 25s: 25, 50, 75, 100.
Cent (¢) — the unit for counting coins; the cent sign is written after the number, like this: 45¢.
Worked example
Count 3 quarters, 2 dimes and 1 nickel. Step 1 (quarters by 25s): 25, 50, 75. Step 2 (dimes by 10s, keep going): 85, 95. Step 3 (nickels by 5s, keep going): 100. The total is 100¢. Counting biggest first means the skip counting stays easy — the runs get smaller as the coins get smaller.
Check yourself — explain it
We count the quarters before the nickels because...
Paired problem — example still visible
Count 2 quarters and 3 dimes -> 80¢ (25, 50, then 60, 70, 80)
Faded completion — last step is yours
"4 dimes and 2 nickels: 10, 20, 30, 40, then 45, ___" -> 50¢
Ready to practise?
10 scored questions with a 3-rung hint ladder. Mastery needs 8/10 plus both gate questions.