2-Step Word Problem Game (3rd Grade)

2-Step Word Problem Quiz/Game (Grade 3)
In third grade, a two-step word problem requires students to perform two separate operations to find the final answer. These problems usually involve using multiplication or division in the first step, and then using addition or subtraction in the second step.
The key is to first solve for an intermediate total that is not directly asked for, but is needed to solve the final question. Scroll down the page for a more detailed explanation.
 

 

How to Play the Cosmic Calculations Game

1. Select the mode:
   Supply Chain (Multiply first, then Add or Subtract)
   Crew Distribution (Divide first, then Add or Subtract)
   Mixed Mission
   
2. Look at the Problem: Select one of the given answers.
   
3. Check Your Work: If you selected the right answer, it will be highlighted in green. If you are wrong, it will be highlighted in red and the correct answer will be highlighted in green.
   
4. Get a New Problem: Click “Next Calculation” for a new problem.
   Your score is tracked, showing how many you’ve gotten right.
   
5. Finish Game When you have completed 10 questions, your final score will be displayed.
   
6. Play Again Click “New Mission” to restart the game.
    
   

Two-Step Multiplication/Division Word Problems (Grade 3)
Multiplication, then Addition
This structure involves figuring out the total of several equal groups first, and then adding a new, non-grouped amount to that total.
Step 1: Calculate the total amount from the equal groups (Multiplication).
Step 2: Add the extra items to the total (Addition).
Example: Multiplication + Addition
Problem:
Marco bought 3 packs of trading cards. Each pack contains 5 cards. He also found 2 extra cards in his pocket. How many cards does Marco have in total?
Steps: (3 × 5) + 2
Final Answer: Marco has 17 cards

Multiplication, then Subtraction
This structure involves calculating the total of the equal groups, and then subtracting a specific amount that was used, lost, or given away.
Step 1: Calculate the initial total from the equal groups (Multiplication).
Step 2: Subtract the amount that was taken away or used (Subtraction).
Problem:
A baker made 5 trays of muffins. Each tray has 6 muffins. She sold 14 muffins today. How many muffins does she have left?
Steps: (5 × 6) + 14
Final Answer: She has 16 muffins left.

Division, then Addition/Subtraction
These problems start with a total amount that needs to be split equally (Division), and then that resulting group size is changed with addition or subtraction.
Step 1: Split the main quantity into equal groups (Division).
Step 2: Add or subtract from the resulting group size (Addition/Subtraction).
Example: Division + Addition
Problem:
A teacher had 28 pencils to divide equally among 4 students. Sam already had 3 pencils in his desk. How many pencils would Sam have after receiving the pencils from his teacher?
Steps: (28 ÷ 4) + 3
Final Answer: Sam has 10 pencils.

Example: Division + Subtraction
Problem:
There were 54 donuts packed equally into 6 boxes. If you bought one box, but then ate 2 donuts, how many donuts do you have left?
Steps: (54 ÷ 4) + 3
Final Answer: You have 7 donuts left.
 

This video gives a clear, step-by-step approach to explain how to solve 2-step multiplication and division word problems for third grade.

• Show Video

 

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