Mathematics
Grade 3
15 min
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division word problems
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division word problems
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the correct operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division) needed to solve a one-step word problem.
Recognize keywords in word problems that suggest a specific mathematical operation.
Solve two-step word problems involving any combination of the four basic operations.
Write a number sentence or equation that represents the steps in a word problem.
Explain the steps they took to arrive at a solution.
Check their answer to see if it makes sense in the context of the story problem.
If you have 3 boxes of crayons with 8 crayons in each, and you lose 5 crayons, how many do you have left? 🖍️ Let's become math detectives and solve mysteries like this!
In this lesson, you will learn how to be a math detective! We will read story pro...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Word ProblemA short story that includes numbers and asks a mathematical question.Sarah has 12 stickers. She gives 4 to her brother. How many stickers does Sarah have now?
OperationThe action you perform with numbers. The four main operations are addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.In '5 + 2 = 7', the operation is addition.
KeywordA special word in a problem that gives a clue about which operation to use.The keyword 'total' often means you need to add. The keyword 'left' often means you need to subtract.
Two-Step ProblemA word problem that requires you to do two different operations to find the final answer.You buy 2 packs of gum with 5 pieces each, and then you eat 3 pieces. Finding the final number of pieces is a two-ste...
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Core Formulas
The C.U.B.E.S. Strategy
C - Circle the numbers. U - Underline the question. B - Box the keywords. E - Eliminate extra info. S - Solve and check.
Use this five-step method to break down any word problem. It helps you focus on the important parts and create a plan before you start solving.
Two-Step Problem Plan
Step 1 Answer → Use in Step 2 → Final Answer
For two-step problems, first solve one part of the problem. Then, take the answer from that first step and use it to solve the second part of the problem.
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A school has 4 third-grade classes, each with 22 students. They are going to a museum that costs $5 per student and $8 per adult. If 10 adults are going on the trip, how many students are going in total?
A.88
B.98
C.440
D.520
Challenging
Leo baked 24 cupcakes. He gave half of them to his soccer team. Then, he baked another batch of 12 cupcakes. How many cupcakes does Leo have now?
A.12
B.36
C.18
D.24
Challenging
A video game has 3 levels. To pass Level 1, you need 50 points. Level 2 requires twice as many points as Level 1. Level 3 requires 75 more points than Level 2. What is the total number of points needed to pass all three levels?
A.175
B.225
C.300
D.325
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