Maryland Math 3.AT.A.2.a
The Standard
- 3.AT.A.2
- Use the four operations to solve two-step problems in context (within number limits for each operation as stated in 3.NOS.B and 3.NOS.D).
Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity.
Maryland College and Career Ready Standards for Mathematics (2025) · SOLVE PROBLEMS INVOLVING THE FOUR OPERATIONS AND IDENTIFY AND EXPLAIN PATTERNS IN ARITHMETIC.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students turn word problems into equations with a letter for the missing amount. They choose where the letter belongs and say what it represents. Some problems take two steps.
What Mastery Looks Like
- For 18 markers shared equally among 3 tables, a student writes 3 × m = 18 and says m is the number of markers per table. For a two-step story, their equation shows both actions in the right order.
Common Misconceptions
- Students put the letter after the equals sign every time, even when the starting amount is missing. They add every number in a story, even when items are shared or taken away.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: “Leo got 8 marbles, gave away 3, and now has 17. How many did he start with?” Ask students to write an equation using m and tell what m represents.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs 24 counters and four cups; have them write 4 × n = 24, then share the counters equally.
Post: “Mia has 12 stickers, gets 7 more, then gives 5 away.” Ask students to write an equation and name the unknown.
Put story cards and equation cards on desks; partners match each pair and explain what the letter means.
Show a receipt with three $4 items and a $2 coupon; students write an equation for the final cost.
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Printable 3.AT.A.2.a Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 3.AT.A.2.a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- 7.AT.C.8.c
Solve word problems leading to equations of these forms and interpret the solution in terms of the context.
- 7.AT.C.8
Use variables to represent quantities and write and solve equations to model and reason about relationships in context.
- 6.AT.C.8.a
Explain that a variable can represent an unknown number and use substitution to determine whether a given number makes an equation true.
- 4.AT.A.4.a
Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity.
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