Two-Step Word Problems

Inside the case file

These two step word problems using all four operations are for 3rd grade, with ten CSI Mini Mystery Detective math worksheets and a pet hotel theme. Students add, subtract, multiply and divide in two steps, compare amounts, and work out an unknown starting number. It's 3.OA.D.8 multi step word problem practice to use in math centers, for morning work or as homework. The pages are no prep, and there's an answer key for every case.

All ten stories happen at a pet hotel. The biscuit jar is empty one morning, the parrot's cage is open, and the goldfish has gone missing from its tank. Students solve each two-step problem, look for the answer on the suspect list and cross that name off. When every answer is right, one suspect is left, and that's the villain. Students can check their own work as they go, which saves you time grading.

What's Inside

• 10 one-page cases with 15 two-step word problems on each, 150 problems in all
• An answer key for every case
• Multiplying and dividing within 100, adding and subtracting within 1,000
• A reference page on doing one step at a time, choosing the operation, using a letter for the unknown and estimating to check
• Teacher pages with the contents and instructions, a case log for students, and a certificate
• 30 pages. Everything prints in black and white

The Cases

1. The Biscuit Bandit - adding and subtracting in two steps
2. The Empty Food Bag - multiply, then add
3. The Open Bird Cage - multiply, then subtract
4. The Goldfish Getaway - divide, then add or subtract
5. The Hamster Wheel Heist - add or subtract, then multiply
6. The Empty Pet Carrier - multiplying and dividing
7. The Tuna Can Caper - comparing amounts in two steps
8. The Kennel Code - finding the starting number
9. The Snipped Ribbons - all four operations mixed
10. The Midnight Howl - mixed review with bigger numbers

When to Use This Resource

Cases 1 to 5 each stick to one pair of steps. They start with adding and subtracting, then bring in multiplication and division one at a time. Case 6 joins dividing and multiplying, and Case 7 is all comparing. In Case 8 students work backward to find how many there were at the start, which is where a letter for the unknown comes in. Cases 9 and 10 mix everything, and the last one uses three-digit numbers, so it's a good fit for test prep. You can give a single case to a small group, put a few in your sub plans, or use them for homeschool practice.

Grade Levels

Written for 3rd grade (3.OA.D.8). 4th grade classes can use it as review before multi-step word problems in 4.OA.A.3.

Why Teachers Love Mystery Detectives

Every Mystery Detective pack works the same way. Once your class has solved one case, they know what to do with the next one, in this pack or any other. Each case also stands on its own, which means you can choose the one that fits what you're teaching that day. Naming the villain gives every page a clear end point, and the answer key lets you check a page quickly.

Want more cases like these?

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