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Key Words in Story Problems - Printable Mathematics Worksheets - Wayground

Key Words in Story Problems

34 questions

3rd - 3rd Grade

Mathematics

Key Words in Story Problems is a free printable Grade 3 mathematics worksheet that helps students connect common story-problem vocabulary with the four operations. Across 34 multiple-choice questions, students choose the correct symbol—addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (×), or division (÷)—for terms and phrases such as “all together,” “difference,” “twice,” “quotient,” “remain,” and “split equally.” This worksheet gives students focused practice recognizing operation clues before they solve complete word problems. It is useful for introducing operation vocabulary, reinforcing the meaning of key terms, or checking whether students can distinguish addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division language. The worksheet is available as a free printable PDF and includes a complete answer key for efficient review and grading.

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Worksheets

Key Words in Story Problems

Total questions: 34

Name
Class
Date
1.

Add

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

2.

Goes into

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

3.

Less than

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

4.

Fewer

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

5.

Difference

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

6.

Times

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

7.

All together

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

8.

Twice

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

9.

Plus

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

10.

Quotient

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

11.

Remain

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

12.

Divide

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

13.

Multiply

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

14.

Split equally

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

15.

How many more

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

16.

Product

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

17.

Sum

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

18.

Subtract

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

19.

In all

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

20.

Minus

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

21.

Multiplied by

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

22.

Greater than

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

23.

Smaller than

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

24.

Per

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

25.

Rows of

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

26.

Combined

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

27.

Decreased by

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

28.

More than

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

29.

Left over

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

30.

Factor

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

31.

Equal groups

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

32.

Double

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

33.

Take away

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

34.

Increase

a)

+

b)

-

c)

x

d)

÷

Answer Key

Key Words in Story Problems

Total questions: 34

1.
a)

+

2.
d)

÷

3.
b)

-

4.
b)

-

5.
b)

-

6.
c)

x

7.
a)

+

8.
c)

x

9.
a)

+

10.
d)

÷

11.
b)

-

12.
d)

÷

13.
c)

x

14.
d)

÷

15.
b)

-

16.
c)

x

17.
a)

+

18.
b)

-

19.
a)

+

20.
b)

-

21.
c)

x

22.
a)

+

23.
b)

-

24.
d)

÷

25.
c)

x

26.
a)

+

27.
b)

-

28.
a)

+

29.
b)

-

30.
c)

x

31.
d)

÷

32.
c)

x

33.
b)

-

34.
a)

+

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FAQs

What does the Key Words in Story Problems worksheet cover?

This Grade 3 worksheet focuses on identifying whether a story-problem keyword signals addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. Its 34 multiple-choice items ask students to select the matching operation symbol for terms such as “plus,” “how many more,” “times,” “quotient,” and “split equally,” building vocabulary-based operation recognition.

How can I use this worksheet to teach operation keywords?

Introduce a few terms at a time and have students explain what action each phrase suggests before they begin the 34 multiple-choice questions. For example, compare “all together” and “plus” with “difference” and “how many more,” then discuss why “times” and “twice” point to multiplication while “quotient” and “split equally” point to division. Use student explanations to connect each word to the operation symbol.

What mistakes should I watch for when students complete this worksheet?

Students may confuse subtraction terms such as “less than,” “fewer,” “difference,” “remain,” and “how many more,” or overlook that “quotient,” “goes into,” and “split equally” indicate division. They may also select addition for “all together” without distinguishing multiplication terms such as “times” and “twice.” Ask students to reread the keyword and name the operation before choosing a symbol.

How do I assign and grade this worksheet?

You can assign Key Words in Story Problems as a printable PDF or as a digital quiz on Wayground. The worksheet includes a complete answer key, and printable submissions can be graded by scanning student work with the Wayground for Teachers app. The printable format can also support schools that are reducing screen time.

How can I differentiate this worksheet for my students?

Use the worksheet’s Advanced Settings to adjust font spacing or choose a larger font size so the operation choices and keyword prompts are easier to read. You can also apply a dyslexia-friendly font or translate the keyword questions into another language when language access is a barrier.

Where can I find more worksheets like this on Wayground?

Wayground offers a comprehensive collection of free printable worksheets and practice problems across all subjects, with downloadable PDFs and answer keys to support mastery of essential skills and concepts. Browse more resources at https://wayground.com/en-us/worksheets.

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