The third-grade TAKS exam tests a student's knowledge and understanding of place value and aptitude in properly using decimal places. Additionally, students should be able to grasp the basics of fractions and have a firm grasp on the relationship of numerators and denominators.
The exam tests third-graders' ability to understand how to add, subtract, multiply and divide. All of these operations deal with whole numbers. While an understanding of fractions and decimal places is necessary, knowledge about them is not used for the operations questions on the test.
Students are tested on their understanding of patterns and their application of that understanding to solve problems or to fill in a number missing in a pattern. The test also requires students to use lists, tables and charts to express patterns.
Basic understanding of geometry is also covered by the third-grade TAKS. To do well on the exam, students need to know basic geometric terminology and be able to name geometric shapes by sight. The test's geometry portion also assesses their understanding of the concepts of symmetry and congruency.
Third-grade TAKS test-takers answer questions about basic units of American standard and metric measurement. They do not have to convert from one form of measurement to the other form, but the test assesses their knowledge of the meaning of the units of measurement and when to use them. The exam also covers time-telling skills on an analog clock.
Test-takers should be able to use all of the skill sets tested and apply them to basic word problems. Part of this process tests the third-graders' ability to collect, organize and analyze sets of data to solve basic math problems.