Write the Equation
Write one equation with the letter for the unknown number. Then solve.
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This is sheet #72124601.
How to do it
- Read the story.
- Write one equation using the letter for the unknown.
- Solve to find what the letter stands for.
Teaching tip
There is often more than one correct way to write the equation. This sheet is aligned with Common Core 3.OA.D.8.
About this worksheet
Write one equation with a letter for the unknown number, like 4 × 6 + 5 = n, then solve.
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. 
2. Two-Step Stories with + and −Two-step stories with addition and subtraction within 200.
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.
6. Does It Make Sense?Stories with a given answer to check by estimating, then solve exactly.