🔢 MathGrade 3Lesson 14
← Back🔒 PDF with full access

Solve Multi-Step Word Problems

Lesson preview: the Mini Lesson and Vocabulary are open to everyone. Guided practice, exercises, the parent checklist and the printable PDF worksheet come with full access (free 7-day trial or membership).

What you will learn

  • 1Identify the two operations needed to solve a multi-step word problem
  • 2Solve a multi-step word problem by working through each step in order
  • 3Write a number sentence for each step of a multi-step problem
📘

Mini Lesson

Some problems need more than one calculation to solve. These are called multi-step word problems. You need to find the first answer, then use it to work out the second answer. Reading carefully and underlining key information helps you stay organized.

Strategy: Four Steps

  1. Read the problem carefully and underline the key numbers and words.
  2. Decide which two operations you need (e.g. addition then subtraction).
  3. Solve Step 1 and write the number sentence (equation).
  4. Use the Step 1 answer in Step 2 and write that number sentence too.

Key Words to Watch For

  • "in all" / "total" / "altogether" usually mean addition or multiplication.
  • "left over" / "remaining" / "difference" usually mean subtraction.
  • "each" / "per" / "every" often signal multiplication or division.
  • "how many more" / "how many fewer" usually mean subtraction.

Words to know

Word problem

A math problem written as a story

e.g. "Maria has 12 apples..." is a word problem.

Multi-step

Needing more than one step to solve

e.g. Multi-step problems may need addition AND multiplication.

Operation

A math action like +, -, ×, or ÷

e.g. I chose the operation of subtraction.

Equation

A math sentence with an equals sign

e.g. 5 + 3 = 8 is an equation.

Reasonable

An answer that makes sense for the question

e.g. I check that my answer is reasonable.

Two-Step Problem StrategyFour numbered steps for solving a two-step word problem, illustrated with arrows.Two-Step Problem Strategy1Read + underline key info2Identify 2 operations3Solve Step 14Use answer in Step 2Always write a number sentence for each step
Example: two-step problem worked step by stepA problem about a baker with 24 muffins who sells 9 and then bakes 12 more. Step 1: 24 minus 9 equals 15. Step 2: 15 plus 12 equals 27.Example: Step by StepA baker has 24 muffins. She sells 9,then bakes 12 more. How many now?Step 1: Sell 9 muffins24 - 9 = 15Step 2: Bake 12 more15 + 12 = 27Answer: 27 muffins
💡

Write out both number sentences before you calculate anything. At the end, check that your answer is reasonable.

Free · 7 days · No credit card

Unlock the full HSEA system for 7 days.

Add your first kid profile and your 7 days start: every lesson in every grade, saved progress for each child. Nothing to set up, no card required, nothing to cancel.

  • ✓ All 1,880 lessons, Grades 1–6, every subject
  • ✓ Profiles + saved progress for every kid
  • ✓ Printable lessons with answer key
Start your 7-day free trial →
Already convinced? See full membership plans →
← Lesson 13: Relate Multiplication and DivisionLesson 15: Use Arrays and Models →