Solve Multi-Step Word Problems
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What you will learn
- 1Identify the key information and unknown in a multi-step word problem
- 2Plan and write the operations needed to solve a multi-step problem
- 3Solve two-step word problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
- 4Check answers for reasonableness using estimation
Mini Lesson
Multi-step word problems require more than one operation to reach the answer. Using a 4-step method keeps your thinking organized and helps you avoid mistakes.
The 4-Step Problem-Solving Method
- Step 1 — Identify: What do I know? What am I finding?
- Step 2 — Plan: Which operations will I use and in what order?
- Step 3 — Solve: Work through each step, showing all work.
- Step 4 — Check: Does the answer make sense? Estimate to verify.
Worked Example
Problem: "A bakery makes 240 muffins each day. They sell 185 on Monday and 42 on Tuesday. How many are left?"
- Identify: Total made = 240, sold Mon = 185, sold Tue = 42, find: muffins remaining.
- Plan: First add the muffins sold (185 + 42), then subtract from 240.
- Solve: 185 + 42 = 227 sold; 240 − 227 = 13 left.
- Check: ~190 + 40 = 230; 240 − 230 ≈ 10. Close to 13 — answer is reasonable.
Words to know
Word problem
A math problem written in sentences from a real-life situation
e.g. A word problem about muffins needs careful reading.
Multi-step
Needing more than one operation to reach the answer
e.g. A multi-step problem might add, then subtract.
Operation
One of the four actions: add, subtract, multiply, or divide
e.g. I picked subtraction as my next operation.
Plan
A clear list of the steps you will follow to solve a problem
e.g. My plan was: add first, then subtract.
Reasonable
An answer close to a sensible estimate for the situation
e.g. 13 muffins left is reasonable for the problem.
Tip: write out each step before you calculate. Reading the problem twice helps you catch all the information.
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