Two-Step Stories with + and −
Read each story. Write the sign and numbers for each step.
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This is sheet #71824601.
How to do it
- Read the story.
- Write the numbers and sign for step 1.
- Use the answer from step 1 in step 2.
Teaching tip
The answer to step 1 is almost always used in step 2. This sheet is aligned with Common Core 3.OA.D.8.
About this worksheet
Two-step stories with addition and subtraction within 200.
What kids practice
A two-step word problem needs two calculations to solve, like "3 bags of 6 apples, and 4 are eaten. How many are left?" (3 × 6 = 18, then 18 − 4 = 14). Third graders solve these with any of the four operations, write one equation with a letter for the unknown number, and use rounding to check that an answer makes sense.
Watch for
- Doing only the first step and stopping.
- Using all the numbers in the story with the same operation.
- Not checking whether the answer makes sense in the story.
It's free to print, with Fewer, Standard or More on the page and an answer key. See the full two-step word problems guide for 3rd grade.
More sheets in this set
- See it all
1. Two-Step Problem Steps ChartRead, plan, step 1, step 2 and check, with a worked example, a bar model and an equation using a letter. 
3. Two-Step Stories with × and ÷Two-step stories that mix multiplication or division with addition or subtraction.
4. Draw a Bar ModelStories to show with a bar model before solving. The answer key shows one way to draw each model.
5. Write the EquationWrite one equation with a letter for the unknown number, like 4 × 6 + 5 = n, then solve.
6. Does It Make Sense?Stories with a given answer to check by estimating, then solve exactly.