Story problems that take two steps, with any of +, −, × and ÷. Your child decides what to find first, writes each step, and checks that the answer makes sense.
Find what the story needs first and write that step, then use its answer in the second step. An estimate tells you whether the answer makes sense.
productthe answer to ×
differencethe answer to −
estimatea close guess
equationa number sentence with an equals sign
Watch for: Stopping after the first step. Using the numbers in the order they appear, not the order the story needs. Adding equal groups (8 + 4) instead of multiplying (8 × 4).
At home: Ask your child to tell the story back in their own words and say what they'll find first. A quick sketch often shows the first step.
Sample sheet and answer key
Luna's Space Adventure
Grade 3 · Two-step story problems · 3.OA.D.8
NameDate
Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!
Two steps
Do one step at a time. Does your answer make sense?
1
Nova buys 8 bags of moon rocks with 7 in each bag, then gives 3 moon rocks to Luna. How many moon rocks does Nova have left?
moon rocks
2
Luna buys 4 baskets of star stickers with 7 in each basket, then gives 9 star stickers to Max. How many star stickers does Luna have left?
star stickers
3
Zed has 9 trays with 9 star stickers in each tray. How many star stickers does Zed have?
star stickers
4
Max buys 7 trays of rocket bolts with 2 in each tray, then gives 2 rocket bolts to Luna. How many rocket bolts does Max have left?
rocket bolts
Two steps in one
Work left to right, but multiply and divide first.
7 × 8 + 2 =2 × 3 + 4 =6 × 5 + 4 =
Sheet
Luna's Space Adventure
Grade 3 · Two-step story problems · 3.OA.D.8
Answer key
Astronaut Luna is exploring a far-off corner of space. Solve each problem to help Luna's mission go smoothly!
Two steps
Do one step at a time. Does your answer make sense?
1
Nova buys 8 bags of moon rocks with 7 in each bag, then gives 3 moon rocks to Luna. How many moon rocks does Nova have left?
8 × 7 = 56, then 56 − 3 = 53
53moon rocks
2
Luna buys 4 baskets of star stickers with 7 in each basket, then gives 9 star stickers to Max. How many star stickers does Luna have left?
4 × 7 = 28, then 28 − 9 = 19
19star stickers
3
Zed has 9 trays with 9 star stickers in each tray. How many star stickers does Zed have?
9 × 9 = 81
81star stickers
4
Max buys 7 trays of rocket bolts with 2 in each tray, then gives 2 rocket bolts to Luna. How many rocket bolts does Max have left?
7 × 2 = 14, then 14 − 2 = 12
12rocket bolts
Two steps in one
Work left to right, but multiply and divide first.
7 × 8 + 2 =582 × 3 + 4 =106 × 5 + 4 =34
Answer key
New problems every time, three levels (gentle, core and stretch), themes to pick from, a second page if you want one. Each sheet comes with an answer key and a one-page guide for grown-ups.
