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🧩 Solving Multi-Step Word Problems

Real problems rarely finish in one move. Learn to spot the hidden second step, solve one piece at a time, and always answer the question that was actually asked.

3
lessons
~15 min
to learn
🔢 Math
subject
Ages 6–12
level
Start the course →

What you’ll learn

  1. Two Jobs in One ProblemRecognize when a word problem needs more than one step and put the steps in the right order.Multi-step problems ask more than one job at once. Buying 3 apples at $2 then finding change from $10 needs a multiply (3 × $2 = $6) BEFORE a subtract ($10 − $6 = $4). The trick is spotting that the second step needs the first step's answer, and sorting one-step problems from two-step ones.
  2. Take It Step by StepSolve two-step add-and-subtract problems by carrying the middle answer forward.Work one piece at a time. For 120 books with 45 borrowed and 30 returned, first 120 − 45 = 75 (the middle answer), then 75 + 30 = 105. Following the number line or filling in the chain keeps the middle answer from getting lost.
  3. Answer the Real QuestionRead carefully to answer exactly what the question asks, using the Read-Plan-Solve-Check plan.Always answer the question that was actually asked. For 6 packs of 4 juice boxes with 18 drunk, the total 24 is only the middle answer — the real question wants how many are LEFT: 24 − 18 = 6. Great solvers Read, Plan, Solve, then Check that the answer fits.

Questions this course answers

You buy 3 apples at $2 each and pay with $10. What is the change?

First the cost: 3 × $2 = $6. Then the change: $10 − $6 = $4.

Which of these is a TWO-step problem?

Finding the change needs the cost first (multiply), then a subtraction — two steps.

120 books, 45 are borrowed, then 30 are returned. How many books now?

120 − 45 = 75, then 75 + 30 = 105 books.

In the library problem, what is the MIDDLE answer after the books are borrowed?

120 − 45 = 75 is the middle answer, which you then add 30 to.

6 packs of 4 juice boxes; 18 are drunk. How many boxes are LEFT?

6 × 4 = 24 boxes, then 24 − 18 = 6 boxes left.

What is the FIRST thing a good problem-solver does?

Read first so you understand the story and what is being asked before planning or solving.

Grounded in trusted sources

  • Khan Academy
  • NRICH — University of Cambridge
  • PBS LearningMedia
  • Britannica Kids

Every Wunder lesson is built from real, reputable sources — never invented.

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