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🔤 Two-Step Problems and Equations

Solve real-world problems that take two steps and mix operations, and write equations with a letter standing for the unknown — your first taste of algebra.

2
lessons
~20 min
to learn
🔢 Math
subject
Ages 6–12
level
Start the course →

What you’ll learn

  1. Two-Step, Mixed OperationsSolve two-step word problems that combine addition or subtraction with multiplication or division, choosing the right operation and order.Two-step problems often mix operations: 3 packs of 6 pencils plus 5 loose is 3 × 6 = 18, then 18 + 5 = 23. Order matters — for 20 apples with 2 bad shared into 3 baskets, subtract first (20 − 2 = 18), then divide (18 ÷ 3 = 6). Clue words like 'groups of' or 'shared equally' tell you which operation each step needs.
  2. Letters for the UnknownRepresent two-step problems with equations using a letter for the unknown, and solve by undoing operations.A letter like n or k stands for an unknown number, just like a question mark. A word problem becomes an equation: 3 packs of n plus 5 makes 26 is 3 × n + 5 = 26. Solve by undoing the steps in reverse — subtract 5, then divide by 3 — to find n = 7. Using letters for unknowns is your first real taste of algebra.

Questions this course answers

3 packs of 6 pencils, plus 5 loose pencils. How many pencils?

Step 1: 3 × 6 = 18. Step 2: 18 + 5 = 23.

20 apples, 2 are bad, share the rest equally among 3 baskets. How many per basket?

Step 1: 20 − 2 = 18. Step 2: 18 ÷ 3 = 6.

Which clue words usually mean you should multiply?

'Groups of' and 'rows of' signal equal groups, which means multiply.

In the equation 3 × n + 5 = 26, what does the letter n stand for?

A letter like n stands in for the unknown value you solve for.

To solve 3 × n + 5 = 26, what do you undo FIRST?

Undo the operations in reverse: remove the + 5 first, giving 3 × n = 21.

Solve for k: 2 × k − 4 = 10.

Undo the − 4: 10 + 4 = 14. Undo the × 2: 14 ÷ 2 = 7.

Grounded in trusted sources

  • Khan Academy Kids
  • PBS Kids — early math
  • NAEYC — early math learning
  • Britannica Kids

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

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