wunder beta

📖 Two-Step Word Problems

Some problems take two moves to solve. Learn to read a story problem, plan both steps, and write an equation with a symbol standing in for the mystery number.

lesson

~15 min

to learn

🔢 Math

subject

Ages 6–12

level

Start the course →

What you’ll learn

Two Steps to the AnswerSolve two-step word problems within 100 and represent them with an equation using a symbol for the unknown.A two-step word problem needs two moves, like 8 + 5 − 3 for stickers gained then given away. Plan both steps in order (8 + 5 = 13, then 13 − 3 = 10), and write it as an equation with a symbol for the unknown: 8 + 5 − 3 = ?. Reading closely to find the real question is the key first step.

Questions this course answers

You have 8 stickers, get 5 more, then give 3 away. How many now?

Step 1: 8 + 5 = 13. Step 2: 13 − 3 = 10.

Why is this a TWO-step problem?

You must add the stickers gained and then subtract the ones given away.

In the equation 8 + 5 − 3 = ?, what does the ? stand for?

A symbol like ? stands in for the unknown number you're solving for.

What is the FIRST thing to do with a word problem?

Understanding the question first tells you which steps to plan.

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.

Related Math courses

📐Using Simple Formulas 🟰What the Equals Sign Means 💡Why Addition Strategies Work ⚖️Writing Simple Equations 📊How to Read Box Plots 📏How to Propagate Measurement Uncertainty 🧮Adding and Subtracting Bigger Numbers 💰Adding and Subtracting Decimals

Wunder is a personalized learn-anything platform — tell it any topic and it builds a beautiful, fact-checked course in minutes, with narration, a knowledge check, and a college-style University track.

Browse more Math courses · All topics · Home