Mission Unknown Worksheet
MISSION: UNKNOWN
3-Digit Word Problem Operations
Agent Name
Date
Equation Protocol: 4 Steps to Solve Any Mission
1. IDENTIFY Define unknown with a letter variable (e.g., \(n\)).
2. WRITE Build an equation matching the story action.
3. COMPUTE Use addition or subtraction to solve for the unknown.
4. STATE Write the complete solution with correct units.
Case File 01 • Supply Depot CODE: ADD-3D
The mountain rescue depot stocked 850 emergency meal packs before winter. After an intense snowstorm, only 365 meal packs remained on the shelves. How many meal packs (m) were sent to stranded hikers?
Variable Definition
Let m =
Equation with Unknown
Final Answer with Units
m =
Show Calculation Work
Case File 02 • Wildlife Sanctuary CODE: UNK-ADD-3D
Biologists observed 348 migrating cranes resting at the northern wetland. In late autumn, another flock arrived, bringing the sanctuary's total count to 812 cranes. How many cranes (c) arrived with the second flock?
Variable Definition
Let c =
Equation with Unknown
Final Answer with Units
c =
Show Calculation Work
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MISSION: UNKNOWN • FIELD OPERATIONS
LEVEL: 3-DIGIT ADVANCED
Case File 03 • Deep Sea Submersible CODE: DIFF-SUB-3D
Submersible Alpha surveyed 835 meters along an oceanic trench. Submersible Beta surveyed 268 meters fewer than Submersible Alpha. How many meters (d) did Submersible Beta survey?
Variable Definition
Let d =
Equation with Unknown
Final Answer with Units
d =
Show Calculation Work
Case File 04 • Cargo Transport CODE: START-UNK-3D
A transport aircraft departed base with emergency machinery. At Airfield Echo, crew members unloaded 348 kilograms of cargo. The plane still contained 475 kilograms of cargo for the final base. How many kilograms (k) were aboard at takeoff?
Variable Definition
Let k =
Equation with Unknown
Final Answer with Units
k =
Show Calculation Work
Agent Challenge • Create Your Own Case
3-digit numbers required
Write a word problem using 3-digit numbers, define a variable, write the equation, and solve.
Variable
Equation
Solution
Mission Debrief: Rate your mastery of writing equations with unknowns:
Need Intel On Track Mission Master
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