Two-step multiplication and division word problems challenge Grade 3 Maths students to connect two calculations, follow the correct sequence, and find an unknown quantity. These printable task cards focus on solving real-life problems that require both multiplication and division, helping children progress from single-operation calculations to more complex mathematical reasoning.

One Problem, Two Mathematical Steps

Unlike basic multiplication or division exercises, these problems require students to complete one calculation before using its result in another. Children work with familiar classroom situations involving cookies, pencils, stickers, building blocks, muffins, and other everyday objects.

The activities explore two important problem-solving patterns:

• Multiply, then divide: Find the total number of objects in several equal groups, then divide that total into new groups. For example, calculate the cookies on several plates before sharing them equally among children.
• Divide, then multiply: Find the amount in one group, then calculate the amount in several groups. For example, share pencils equally among tables before finding how many pencils are on a selected number of tables.

Working with both patterns encourages students to think about what each number represents rather than simply performing calculations in the order the numbers appear.

Using Letters to Represent Unknown Numbers

A key feature of these Grade 3 word problems is the use of equations with a letter for the unknown. Students encounter expressions such as n = (3 × 4) ÷ 2 and n = (72 ÷ 9) × 7, connecting mathematical notation to the quantities described in each situation.

Students practise identifying the first calculation, using its result in the next step, and interpreting the final answer with the correct unit. Some questions provide a suitable equation, while others require children to write their own before solving.

Included in the Resource

• Printable, individually numbered task cards featuring two-step multiplication and division problems.
• A matching student recording sheet with numbered spaces for answers.

The questions include multiple-choice problems, short-answer calculations, true-or-false statements, and fill-in-the-blank equations. Students calculate unknown values, evaluate whether a proposed result is correct, and represent situations using mathematical expressions.

Flexible Ways to Use the Task Cards

Set up a classroom maths centre where students solve questions independently, or place the cards around the room for a problem-solving activity. Each card contains a complete question, allowing students to work in any order and record their answers on the matching sheet.

For small-group instruction, encourage students to explain why multiplication or division comes first. Teachers can also select individual cards for partner discussion, independent revision, early finishers, or homework practice.

Develop Multi-Step Problem-Solving Skills

These activities provide focused practice in choosing operations, writing equations, and calculating unknown quantities. By working through related calculations within 100, students strengthen their ability to translate word problems into mathematical expressions and solve them accurately.