Mathematics
Grade 3
15 min
Addition and subtraction word problems
Addition and subtraction word problems
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify keywords that signal addition or subtraction in a word problem.
Translate a one-step word problem into a correct number sentence.
Solve two-step word problems that involve both addition and subtraction.
Use a visual model, like a bar diagram, to represent the information in a word problem.
Explain the steps taken to solve a multi-step word problem.
Check their answer to see if it is reasonable within the context of the problem.
You have 50 shiny marbles, and you win 25 more, but then you lose 10. How many do you have now? marbles
In this lesson, we will become math detectives! We will learn how to find clues in story problems to decide whether to add, subtract, or do both. This skill is super important because it helps us solve real-life puzzle...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Word ProblemA math question that is written as a short story. It gives you information and asks a question you need to solve using math."Sarah has 15 crayons. Tom gives her 8 more crayons. How many crayons does Sarah have in total?"
KeywordA special word in a problem that gives you a clue about whether to add or subtract.Addition keywords: 'in all', 'total', 'altogether', 'sum'. Subtraction keywords: 'how many more', 'left', 'remain', 'difference'.
Number SentenceA math problem written using only numbers and symbols like +, -, and =.The word problem "What is 5 plus 3?" can be written as the number sentence 5 + 3 = 8.
Two-Step ProblemA word problem that requires you to...
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Core Formulas
Finding the Total (Part-Part-Whole)
Part_1 + Part_2 = Whole
Use this when you know the smaller parts and you need to find the total amount. Look for keywords like 'in all' or 'altogether'.
Finding a Missing Part (Part-Part-Whole)
Whole - Part = Missing Part
Use this when you know the total and one of the parts, and you need to find the other part. Look for keywords like 'are left' or 'remain'.
Finding the Difference (Compare)
Larger_Amount - Smaller_Amount = Difference
Use this when you are comparing two different amounts. Look for keywords like 'how many more' or 'how much less'.
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
Maya went to the store. She spent $15 on a book and $5 on snacks. She came home with $10. How much money did she start with?
A.$20
B.$25
C.$30
D.$10
Challenging
Two friends, Leo and Sam, have 80 trading cards together. Leo has 10 more cards than Sam. How many cards does Sam have?
A.35
B.40
C.45
D.70
Challenging
At a school fair, the third grade sold 150 tickets. This was 25 more tickets than the second grade sold. The first grade sold 10 fewer tickets than the second grade. How many tickets did all three grades sell together?
A.285
B.390
C.400
D.415
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