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Florida Grade 3 Math · Algebraic Reasoning

MA.3.AR.1.2: Word Problems With All Four Operations

What this Grade 3 benchmark means, worked examples, common mistakes, and a free printable worksheet.

Created by a Florida mom · Published by Tropical Learning LLC

Download Free Worksheet (PDF)See worked examples

What Is Benchmark MA.3.AR.1.2?

Students solve one-step and two-step real-world problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with whole numbers. Multiplication uses factors up to 12 and the related division facts.

Understanding the situation matters more than key words: joining or separating amounts, equal groups, equal sharing, and comparing.

Official benchmarkSolve one- and two-step real-world problems involving any of four operations with whole numbers.

On the FAST test: part of the Grade 3 reporting category Number Sense and Additive Reasoning, which is about 23–29% of the test.

Worked Examples

Worked Example 1

Two-Step Problem

A teacher buys 6 packs of pencils with 8 pencils in each pack. She gives out 30 pencils. How many pencils are left?
  1. 1Step 1: find the total. 6 × 8 = 48
  2. 2Step 2: take away the pencils given out. 48 − 30 = 18
Answer: 18 pencils

Worked Example 2

Equal Groups

56 cookies are put into bags of 7. How many bags are needed?
  1. 1We know the total and the size of each group. Divide.
  2. 256 ÷ 7 = 8
Answer: 8 bags

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Choosing the operation from one key word

Wrong:42 marbles are shared so each of 6 friends gets the same number. "Each" means multiply: 42 × 6.

Sharing equally is division: 42 ÷ 6 = 7 marbles each.

Stopping after the first step

Wrong:6 × 8 = 48, so 48 pencils are left.

48 is how many pencils she bought. She gave away 30, so 48 − 30 = 18 are left.

Helpful Math Tip

Ask your child to draw a quick picture or bar model of the story before choosing an operation, and to check that the answer makes sense.

Related Grade 3 Skills

MA.3.NSO.2.4

Multiplication and Division Facts to 12 × 12

MA.3.NSO.2.1

Adding and Subtracting Multi-Digit Numbers

MA.3.M.1.2

Measurement Word Problems

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Independent Educational Platform. FastChomp is published by Tropical Learning LLC and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Florida Department of Education. FAST and Star assessment names are referenced for informational purposes only. FastChomp practice questions are original educational materials, not official Florida FAST assessment questions.