SME
Grade 3 Math · Operations & Algebraic Thinking
Solve two-step word problems
Use this for “4 packs of 6 juice boxes. 5 are drunk. How many are left?”
Diagram
4 × 6 = 24 in the packs.
Take away 5: 19 left.
Packs: 4
In each pack: 6
This is an example. Type your own values to start a new problem.
Packs
×
In each pack
−
Taken away
=
Left
Total
worked out (not typed)
Formulas
4 × 6 = 24
Packs × in each pack = total
24 − 5 = 19
Total − taken away = left
Assumptions
•
Do one step at a time: first find the total, then what is left.
•
Check: put the answer back in the story. Does each step still fit?
Step-by-step
WE KNOW
Taken away: 5
Packs: 4
In each pack: 6
FIND
total, left
Step 1 · Find total
4 × 6 = ?
Packs × in each pack = total
Multiply the packs by the number in each pack.
Double 6: 6 + 6 = 12
Double again: 12 + 12 = 24
Total = 24
Step 2 · Find left
24 − 5 = ?
Total − taken away = left
Take the number taken away from the total.
24 − 4 = 20
20 − 1 = 19
Left = 19
Check
Put the numbers back in. Both sides should match.
4 × 6 = 24 ✓
24 − 5 = 19 ✓
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