Grade 3 · Math · Operations

3rd Grade Add and Subtract Word Problems worksheets

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Add and Subtract Word Problems

Grade 3 Math Worksheet

NameDate

Solve each problem. Show your work in the space.

One library shelf had 692 story books and 264 science books. How many books were on the shelf?
A box has 448 red beads and 187 blue beads. How many more red beads than blue beads are there?
A theater has 424 seats. 229 seats are empty. How many seats are full?
A bakery had 523 muffins. It sold 332 of them. How many muffins were left?
A farmer picked 513 apples on Monday and 282 apples on Tuesday. How many apples did the farmer pick in all?
Eli has 541 stickers. His sister gives him 374 more. How many stickers does Eli have now?
Team A scored 503 points and Team B scored 377 points. How many more points did Team A score?
Sam had 440 marbles and gave 293 to his friend. How many marbles does Sam have left?

3rd Grade Add and Subtract Word Problems worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

A word problem asks a child to decide what is happening in a short story and to choose whether to put amounts together, take one away or find how many more. Each sheet in this set has eight short problems, three putting together, three taking away and two comparing, with blank space under every problem for working: drawing a bar, writing the numbers in columns or checking the answer.

Building Confidence uses two-digit numbers, On Level uses three-digit numbers within 1,000, and Challenge Me uses numbers that need regrouping. Encourage your child to read each problem twice, to say in their own words what the question asks, and to check that the answer makes sense in the story.

What your child will learn

Decide whether a story needs adding or subtracting
Solve one-step problems with numbers within 1,000
Find how many more by subtracting
Check an answer against the story

Common Core standard: 3.OA.D.8, 3.NBT.A.2

Worked example

A bag held 80 seeds and 35 were used. 80 - 35 = 45, so 45 seeds were left.

Common mistake

Adding every pair of numbers in the story instead of asking what the question wants.

Helpful hint

Ask what the question is looking for: a total, an amount left, or how many more.

Next skill: Two-Step Word Problems Earlier: Subtraction Within 1,000

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with add and subtract word problems?

Adding every pair of numbers in the story instead of asking what the question wants.

How can I help my child with add and subtract word problems?

Ask what the question is looking for: a total, an amount left, or how many more.

Are these 3rd grade math worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

More 3rd grade operations

See all operations

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