Two-step word problems

Some problems can't be solved with a single calculation. They need two steps: first one calculation, then a second one using the first result.

"Mum bought 5 apples and 7 pears. The children ate 4 fruits. How many fruits are left?"

How to do it

Step 1 — Calculate or compare the first part.

5 apples + 7 pears = 12 fruits.

Step 2 — Use the result in the next calculation.

12 − 4 eaten = 8 fruits.

Answer: 8 fruits are left.

Tip: keep order

In a two-step problem it's important to see the two steps separately:

1. First: mum bought fruits altogether → 12.
2. Then: children ate some → 8 left.

Write both steps down — don't try to keep everything in your head at once.

Another example: two purchases

"Janka had \50. She bought a book for \12 and a toy for \$8. How much was left?"

Step 1: spent altogether 12 + 8 = \$20. Step 2: 50 − 20 = \$30. Answer: Janka had \$30 left.

Different type: growing in steps

"Peter had 6 stickers. On Monday he got 4, on Tuesday another 5. How many does he have now?"

Step 1: 6 + 4 = 10. Step 2: 10 + 5 = 15. Answer: Peter now has 15 stickers.

Common mistakes

1. Skipping over the middle.

The child tries 6 + 4 + 5 in their head and gets lost.

Fix: split into two steps and write the in-between result. 2. Wrong operation in the second step.

After adding in step 1, the child subtracts automatically even though the problem asks for something else.

Fix: for step 2 think again about what is happening in the story.

Summary

• Two-step problem = two calculations, the second uses the result of the first.
• Write both steps — don't try to do them all at once.
• Classic patterns: (altogether) − (eaten) or (altogether) + (some more).
• After each step look back at the problem text.