Multi-step addition and subtraction word problems
Big story problems become easy when you break them into steps. Solve one bite-size piece at a time.
Do this: Read the concept below, then try the quiz or activity.
Concept
Use the PLAN-DO-CHECK method.
š§ PLAN - What is happening? - What do you need to find? - Which numbers matter?
š ļø DO - Step 1: write an equation for one part. - Step 2: solve. - Step 3: use that result in the next equation.
ā CHECK - Does your answer make sense? - Is it too big or too small?
Example: School sold 385 tickets on Friday and 429 on Saturday. They expected 900 total. How many more tickets are needed?
Step 1: total sold = 385 + 429 = 814 Step 2: needed = 900 - 814 = 86 Answer: 86 more tickets
Try it
Solve each with two steps.
1. A library had 1,250 books. It bought 375 new books, then donated 180. How many books now? 2. A theater has 2,000 seats. 1,365 are filled. Then 248 more people arrive. How many seats are still empty? 3. Team A scored 487 points in three games. Team B scored 512. Team C scored 96 fewer than Team B. How many points did Team C score?
š§ Challenge: 4. Write your own two-step story problem with answer 145.