CBSE Class 3 Mathematics Chapter 1: Where to Look From - NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 3 PDF

CBSE Class 3 Mathematics Chapter 1, 'Where to Look From,' introduces students to the fascinating concept of perspective. This chapter explores how the same object can look different depending on where you are standing or looking from. The NCERT Solutions offer clear explanations and fun activities to help young learners grasp the ideas of top, side, and front views. By using simple questions and engaging visuals, children will learn to recognize objects from various angles. These solutions are designed to build essential spatial reasoning skills, making the learning process interactive and enjoyable. They are a great way for students to practice and solidify their understanding of how an object's appearance changes with viewpoint, which is crucial for developing their observation abilities and preparing them for future concepts.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 3
Subject	Mathematics
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 1

Chapter summary

Chapter 1, 'Where to Look From,' for Class 3 Mathematics focuses on understanding different viewpoints of objects. The NCERT Solutions cover concepts like top view, side view, and front view using simple examples of everyday items. Students will learn to recognize how an object's appearance changes when observed from above, from the side, or from the front. The exercises encourage observation and drawing, helping to develop spatial awareness and critical thinking skills.

Learning outcomes

Understand that objects look different from different viewpoints.
Identify the top view, side view, and front view of common objects.
Draw simple top views of familiar items.
Develop spatial reasoning and observational skills.
Relate visual perception to the position of the observer.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Different views of objects
Top view
Side view
Front view
Perspective
Spatial reasoning
Observation skills
Everyday objects

Important topics

Understanding different viewpoints
Identifying top, side, and front views
Visualizing objects from various angles
Drawing top views

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Dheeraj said he had looked at the car from the terrace. Do you think his funny drawing is right?

Solution: Yes, Dheeraj's drawing is likely right. When you look at an object like a car from a high place such as a terrace, you are looking at it from above. This perspective, known as the top view, often makes objects appear different from how they look when viewed from the side or front. His drawing, representing this aerial perspective, would be a correct depiction of the car from that viewpoint.

Question 2

Have you looked at things from different sides? Do they look the same or different?

Solution: Yes, I have looked at things from different sides. Objects generally look different when viewed from different sides. For example, a cup looks like a circle from the top, but from the side, you can see its handle and its height. This is because our viewpoint changes the visible shape and features of the object.

Question 3

Look at the pictures drawn here. How does the table look from the side? Which picture is from the top?

Solution: The table looks like a rectangle with lines representing its legs when viewed from the side. The picture showing just a flat surface, possibly with a square or rectangular outline, is the view from the top. The side view shows the height and the legs, while the top view shows the width and depth.

Question 4

Some pictures are drawn below. Imagine how these things will look if seen from the top. Will they look like this?

Solution: Yes, the provided pictures correctly represent how these things would look when seen from the top. For instance, a cup from the top looks like a circle with a possible oval shape inside, and a book from the top looks like a rectangle. The top view simplifies the object to its basic outline as seen from directly above.

Question 5

(a) A cat is peeping into a classroom. Can you help her find out where the teacher is?

Solution: The teacher is likely sitting at the front of the classroom, perhaps at a desk or on a chair, facing the students. From the cat's perspective, possibly looking in from a window or door, the teacher would be visible in the area where students are looking towards. The solution implies the teacher is in a position that is 'opposite' to the students' usual seating arrangement, indicating the front of the class.

Question 6

(a) Here are some pictures. Find out from where you have to look to see the things this way.

Solution: To see the things as shown in the pictures, you need to look from the specific viewpoints indicated. For example:

A staircase is shown from the side.
A table is shown from its side.
A chair is shown from its side.
A pencil is shown from its side.
A bus is shown from its side.
A bus is shown from the top.
A bus is shown from its front.

Each object has a distinct appearance depending on whether you are viewing it from the top, side, or front.

Question 7

(a) Draw top views of a few things and ask your friends to guess what they are.

Solution: This is an activity that requires drawing. To complete it, you would draw the shape of an object as seen directly from above. For example:

The top view of an ironing table would look like a flat surface, perhaps a narrow rectangle or a shape with legs extending downwards.
The top view of a book would be a rectangle.
The top view of a cup would be a circle with a handle visible on the side.

After drawing these, you can ask your friends to guess what the objects are based solely on their top views.

Common mistakes

Confusing top view with side or front view.
Difficulty in visualizing objects from different perspectives.
Inaccurate drawing of object views.
Assuming all views of an object are the same.

Revision tips

Practice identifying the views of objects around your house.
Draw the top view of at least five different objects.
Ask a friend to draw a top view and guess the object.
Review the pictures in the chapter and try to visualize the object from other angles.

Practice MCQs

Q1. When you look at a car from the terrace, which view are you most likely seeing?

Q2. If a table looks like a rectangle with lines representing legs from the side, what view is this?

Q3. Which view of a bus typically shows its wheels and the rectangular shape of its body?

Q4. What does the top view of a pencil usually look like?

Q5. Why do objects look different from different sides?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main concept taught in CBSE Class 3 Maths Chapter 1?

Chapter 1, 'Where to Look From,' teaches students about how objects appear different when viewed from different positions, such as from the top, side, or front.

Why is it important to learn about different views of objects?

Learning about different views helps develop spatial reasoning, observational skills, and the ability to visualize objects in three dimensions, which are crucial for mathematics and everyday life.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear explanations and rewritten answers for each question, helping students understand the concepts of top, side, and front views and how to apply them.

Are the questions in the solutions the same as in the NCERT textbook?

Yes, the questions are kept exactly the same as in the NCERT textbook, ensuring that students are practicing the original problems.

What kind of objects are used as examples in this chapter?

The chapter uses examples of common everyday objects like cars, tables, chairs, pencils, and buses to illustrate the concepts of different views.

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