Multi-step problems: choosing operations
Solve problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Choose the operation and method for each step, then solve multi-step problems in context.
What a learner can do afterwards
- Solve a three-step word problem involving a mix of all four operations
- Explain why particular operations were chosen for each step of a multi-step problem
- Identify and correct an error in a multi-step solution that used the wrong operation
1 · Read
Some word problems take more than one step. You might work out a long division answer, then use it to decide how many coaches you need. Break the problem into parts and solve them in the story's order. Before calculating, decide what each step asks, then carry its answer into the next step.
Zara buys 3 notebooks at £2 each and 2 pens at £1 each, and pays with a £10 note. Step 1: 3 × 2 = £6 for the notebooks. Step 2: 2 × 1 = £2 for the pens. Step 3: 6 + 2 = £8 total cost. Step 4: 10 − 8 = £2 change.
Clue words can help you choose an operation. 'In total' and 'altogether' often point to addition; 'left' and 'change' to subtraction; 'each' and 'times' to multiplication; 'share equally' and 'split' to division. Always check that the operation fits the story. If a calculation uses only addition and subtraction, or only multiplication and division, work left to right. For example, 50 − 20 + 10 = 30 + 10 = 40.
Break the problem into steps, choose the right operation for each one, and carry each answer into the next step.
ExtraItems, unchanged readings and media are imported from the hoofer-content corpus; per-item provenance is in the file. The rewritten reading was written for this dataset. Enrichment flashcards are derived from facts-collection candidates and are not individually provenance-tracked. Corpus CC0 labels are not publisher proof.
2 · Watch
Take it off screen
Where it sits
18 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.