Solve and Check Two-Step Stories: Explore and Explain Worksheet — Grade 3
Solve and Check Two-Step Stories: Explore and Explain: Identify quantities and the order of operations in a story. Starts with 2 practice tasks. Answer guidance included. Print on Letter/A4 or save as PDF from the print window.
3 distinct sets for the same goals and support level. Each set keeps its material and matching answers together. Choose “Save as PDF” in your browser’s print window to keep a copy.
Page layout
0 practice pages · 0 answer pages. Pages are added automatically when needed. Question content and answer keys stay together.
Continue this learning sequence
Unit goals and teaching guide →Independent activity · About 10 minutes · Pencil
Practice set 1 of 3. Each set keeps the same learning goal and task structures.
About this practice
Grade 3 · Mathematics · Matching answer key included · US Letter and A4
Choose “Save as PDF” in your browser’s print window to keep a copy.
Teaching guide, sample answers and curriculum references
Before you begin
Use the prerequisite representations before moving to independent work.
How to use this worksheet
- Begin with: What does the number of boxes represent: group count or pencils per group?
- Connect the response to: How many pencils remain after the gift? Show both steps.
- Ask students to apply the idea: Draw equal groups for the starting collection, then cross out the gift. Label the remainder.
A common mistake to discuss
Check the meaning of each quantity, the operation and the units; a numerical answer alone does not show the full reasoning.
What to practice next
Continue to Solve and Check Two-Step Stories: Practice Independently.
Original instructional material written for this practice.
Source reference: Common Core mathematics: selected grade or course targets.
Published 2026-10-08; updated 2026-10-08. Read our editorial policy.
Continue practicing
Solve and Check Two-Step Stories
Practice · Independent · 30 min
Identify quantities and the order of operations in a story. Solve two-step whole-number situations and check reasonableness. Represent or write a story with matching operations. A complete set with exploration, practice and application. Use the linked unit for the learning sequence and teaching guide.
Solve and Check Two-Step Stories: Apply and Create
Apply · Independent · 20 min
Identify quantities and the order of operations in a story. Solve two-step whole-number situations and check reasonableness. Represent or write a story with matching operations. A focused apply activity. Use the linked unit for the learning sequence and teaching guide.
Solve and Check Two-Step Stories: Practice Independently
Practice · Independent · 15 min
Identify quantities and the order of operations in a story. Solve two-step whole-number situations and check reasonableness. Represent or write a story with matching operations. A focused practice activity. Use the linked unit for the learning sequence and teaching guide.
Two Meanings of Division: Apply and Create
Apply · Independent · 20 min
Connect equal groups, arrays and equations. Use related multiplication and division facts within 100. Model a story and explain the role of each quantity. A focused apply activity. Use the linked unit for the learning sequence and teaching guide.