3rd Grade · Operations & Algebraic Thinking
3.OA.D.8: Solve two-step word problems: add, subtract, multiply, or divide
3.OA.D.8 is a 3rd grade Common Core math standard in Operations & Algebraic Thinking. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
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.
In plain words
Solve two-step word problems: add, subtract, multiply, or divide.
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
A bakery made 500 cookies. They sold 235 on Saturday and 190 on Sunday. How many are left?
- 75
- 85
- 175
Where students can get stuck
- Stopping after the first step, such as reporting the 18 stickers bought instead of the 13 left after giving some away.
- Doing the right operations in the wrong order, which tells a different story than the problem does.
- Giving an answer that makes no sense in the story, like more stickers left than were bought, without checking.
Effective teaching strategies
- Ask students to tell the story in their own words and name the two questions it hides before they write any equation.
- Have students write each step as its own equation, using a letter for the unknown, and say what that letter stands for.
- Model reading the final answer back into the story, such as noticing that more stickers cannot be left than were bought.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 3.OA.D.8 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Bridges in Mathematics
enVision Mathematics
Eureka Math
Eureka Math²
Everyday Mathematics
Go Math!
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Math Expressions
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Story problems with two steps for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice problem solving at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free for every family.
See how it works for teachers
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.