Problem Solving
Multi-step word problems
Break problems into smaller steps and keep track of information.
Quick answer
Multi-step word problems are puzzles that need more than one calculation or action to solve. You need to break them into smaller steps, keep track of what you know, and work through them one at a time.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to solve word problems that need more than one step by breaking them down into smaller parts and using your maths skills to find the answer. Success signs:- You can read a word problem and identify what you need to do
- You can break a problem into smaller steps
- You can use your maths to solve each part
- You can check your answer makes sense
Why this matters
Multi-step word problems help you use your maths in real life. When you go shopping, cook a meal, or plan a trip, you often need to do more than one calculation. Learning to solve these problems helps you think carefully, plan your steps, and make good decisions. It also prepares you for more difficult maths later on.How it works
Solving multi-step word problems is like going on a treasure hunt. Here's how to do it:- Read the whole problem - Don't rush! Read it carefully so you understand what's happening.
- Find the key information - Look for numbers and what the problem is asking you to find.
- Break it into steps - Think about what you need to do first, then second, then third.
- Solve each step - Do one calculation or action at a time.
- Check your answer - Make sure your answer fits with the problem.
Examples you can see
Let's look at some examples of multi-step problems and how to solve them. Example 1: The Bakery A bakery makes 12 cakes every day. They sell 8 cakes on Monday and 5 cakes on Tuesday. How many cakes are left at the end of Tuesday? Step 1: How many cakes did they make in total? 12 cakes Step 2: How many cakes did they sell? 8 + 5 = 13 cakes Step 3: How many cakes are left? 12 - 13 = -1 cakes Wait! That doesn't make sense. We can't have negative cakes. This shows us that we need to check our problem again. The bakery can't sell more cakes than they make. Example 2: The Garden Tommy has 3 flower pots. Each pot has 4 flowers. He plants 2 more flowers in each pot. How many flowers does he have now? Step 1: How many flowers were there originally? 3 pots × 4 flowers = 12 flowers Step 2: How many new flowers did he plant? 3 pots × 2 flowers = 6 flowers Step 3: How many flowers are there now? 12 + 6 = 18 flowers This is a good example because all steps make sense and lead to a reasonable answer.Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: The Treasure Hunt You are going on a treasure hunt in the park. Here's your map: 1st stop: You start at the big oak tree. You walk 5 steps forward. 2nd stop: You turn left and walk 3 steps. 3rd stop: You turn right and walk 7 steps. 4th stop: You turn left and walk 2 steps. Where are you now? Let's solve this step by step. 1st stop: Start at oak tree, walk 5 steps forward. 2nd stop: Turn left, walk 3 steps. 3rd stop: Turn right, walk 7 steps. 4th stop: Turn left, walk 2 steps. To find your final position, you need to add up all the steps in each direction. Forward steps: 5 + 7 = 12 steps Left steps: 3 + 2 = 5 steps You are 12 steps forward and 5 steps to the left of the oak tree. This is a fun way to think about multi-step problems in real life!Common mistakes
- Mistake: Skipping steps or solving too quickly
Why it happens: You might be excited to find the answer or think you can do it in your head.
Fix: Take your time and write down each step. Use a pencil and paper to help you keep track. - Mistake: Forgetting to check your answer
Why it happens: You finish quickly and don't stop to think if your answer makes sense.
Fix: Ask yourself, "Does this answer make sense?" If you get 50 apples from 10 oranges, you know something is wrong! - Mistake: Not reading the whole problem
Why it happens: You might see a number and jump to the calculation without understanding what you're solving.
Fix: Read the problem twice. Underline or circle the numbers and the question you need to answer. - Mistake: Mixing up addition and subtraction
Why it happens: Sometimes you see words like "more" and "less" and get confused.
Fix: Think about what the problem is asking. If you're taking away, use subtraction. If you're adding, use addition.
Parent and carer guide
As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:- Reading the problem together - Ask your child to read it aloud and then explain what they think is happening.
- Breaking it down - Help them identify the steps they need to do. You can write them out or draw a picture.
- Encouraging checking - Ask them to think if their answer makes sense. "Does this seem right?"
- Using real life - Create problems about shopping, cooking, or going to the park. These make the maths feel more real.
- Not rushing - Let them work through each step. It's better to take 10 minutes to get it right than 2 minutes to get it wrong.
- Choose a problem from a maths book or make up your own
- Read it together
- Break it into 2-3 steps
- Solve each step together
- Check if the answer makes sense
Practice questions
- Question: Sarah has 15 stickers. She gives 6 to her friend and then buys 8 more. How many stickers does she have now?
Answer: 15 - 6 = 9, then 9 + 8 = 17 stickers - Question: A farmer has 24 chickens. 6 chickens are in the coop, and the rest are in the yard. He adds 4 more chickens to the yard. How many chickens are in the yard now?
Answer: 24 - 6 = 18 chickens in the yard, then 18 + 4 = 22 chickens - Question: A book has 100 pages. Tom reads 25 pages on Monday and 30 pages on Tuesday. How many pages are left to read?
Answer: 25 + 30 = 55 pages read, then 100 - 55 = 45 pages left - Question: A teacher has 36 pencils. She gives 9 pencils to each of 3 students. How many pencils does she have left?
Answer: 9 × 3 = 27 pencils given away, then 36 - 27 = 9 pencils left - Question: Emma is making a necklace. She uses 4 red beads, 5 blue beads, and 3 green beads for each section. She makes 2 sections. How many beads does she use in total?
Answer: 4 + 5 + 3 = 12 beads per section, then 12 × 2 = 24 beads total
FAQ
What is a multi-step word problem?
A multi-step word problem is a maths question that needs more than one calculation or action to solve. It's like a puzzle that has more than one part to it.
How can I tell if a problem is multi-step?
Look for problems that ask you to do more than one thing. If you need to add, subtract, multiply, or divide more than once, or if there are more than one question in the problem, it's probably multi-step.
What if I get confused about which operation to use?
Read the problem carefully and look for clue words. Words like "more than" or "total" usually mean addition. Words like "less than" or "left" usually mean subtraction. If you're not sure, try drawing a picture or using objects to help you understand.
How can I check my answer?
Ask yourself: Does my answer make sense? If you're solving a problem about how many apples you have and get a negative number, you know something is wrong. You can also try solving the problem backwards or using a different method.
Why are multi-step problems important?
Multi-step problems help you think logically and plan your work. They are used in real life when you need to make decisions, like planning a trip or budgeting your pocket money. They also prepare you for more advanced maths in school.