Two-Step Word Problems (Grade 3)
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More Lessons for Grade 3
Common Core for Grade 3
Videos, examples, solutions, and lessons to help Grade 3 students learn to solve two-step word problems using the four operations. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding.
Common Core: 3.OA.8
Two step word problems - Common Core Standard (CCSS: 3.OA.8)
Solve two-step word problems using the four operations.
In this lesson you will learn to identify the operations in two step word problems.
Example:
The Davis family drove a total of 720 miles, starting on Friday and ending on Sunday. They drove 255 miles on Friday and 229 miles on Saturday. How may miles did they drive on Sunday?
Understand that letters can represent unknowns
Example:
Find g.
7 - g = 4
How to write equations using a letter for the unknown number?
Example:
Mike runs 2 miles a day. His goal is to run 25 miles. After 5 days, how many miles does Mike have left to run in order to meet his goal?
How to write equations using a letter for the unknown number?
Example:
Jerry earned 258 points at school last week. This week he earned 37 points. If he uses 90 points to earn free time on a computer, how many points will he have left?
How to solve two step word problems using a letter for the unknown and determine if the answer is reasonable?
Examples:
1. On a vacation, your family travels 267 miles on the first day, 194 miles on the second day, and 34 miles on the third day. How many total miles did they travel?
2. The soccer club is going on a trip to the fair. The cost of attending the trip is $37. Included in that price is $16 for lunch and three game tickets. How much is one game ticket?
Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding
Example:
Caroline multiplied 7 and 9 and got 70. Caroline knows her answer is wrong because she knows it should be approximately ____. Use context and common sense to approximate or check the accuracy of answers
Example:
In order to estimate 22 × 7139, what number should you round 22 to?
Solve two-step word problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity
This video illustrates how students can learn to represent word problems using a letter to stand for the unknown (Common Core Standard 3.0A.8).
Example:
Two boxes of pencils and three loose pencils yield a total of 13 pencils.
How many pencils are in each box?
More Lessons for Grade 3
Common Core for Grade 3
Videos, examples, solutions, and lessons to help Grade 3 students learn to solve two-step word problems using the four operations. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding.
Common Core: 3.OA.8
Suggested Learning Target
- I can choose the correct operation to perform the first computation, and choose the correct operation to perform the second computation in order to solve two-step word problems.
- I can write equations using a letter for the unknown number.
- I can decide if my answers are reasonable using mental math and estimation strategies including rounding.
Two step word problems - Common Core Standard (CCSS: 3.OA.8)
Solve two-step word problems using the four operations.
In this lesson you will learn to identify the operations in two step word problems.
Example:
The Davis family drove a total of 720 miles, starting on Friday and ending on Sunday. They drove 255 miles on Friday and 229 miles on Saturday. How may miles did they drive on Sunday?
Understand that letters can represent unknowns
Example:
Find g.
7 - g = 4
How to write equations using a letter for the unknown number?
Example:
Mike runs 2 miles a day. His goal is to run 25 miles. After 5 days, how many miles does Mike have left to run in order to meet his goal?
How to write equations using a letter for the unknown number?
Example:
Jerry earned 258 points at school last week. This week he earned 37 points. If he uses 90 points to earn free time on a computer, how many points will he have left?
Examples:
1. On a vacation, your family travels 267 miles on the first day, 194 miles on the second day, and 34 miles on the third day. How many total miles did they travel?
2. The soccer club is going on a trip to the fair. The cost of attending the trip is $37. Included in that price is $16 for lunch and three game tickets. How much is one game ticket?
Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding
Example:
Caroline multiplied 7 and 9 and got 70. Caroline knows her answer is wrong because she knows it should be approximately ____. Use context and common sense to approximate or check the accuracy of answers
Example:
In order to estimate 22 × 7139, what number should you round 22 to?
Solve two-step word problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity
This video illustrates how students can learn to represent word problems using a letter to stand for the unknown (Common Core Standard 3.0A.8).
Example:
Two boxes of pencils and three loose pencils yield a total of 13 pencils.
How many pencils are in each box?
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