Two-Step Word Problems

Sometimes, one math problem isn't enough to find the final answer! A two-step word problem is a real-world story that requires two calculations to solve. Usually, you will use a mix of addition and subtraction.

To solve these problems, you must find the answer to the first part of the story, and then use that answer to solve the second part.

Steps to Solve

1. Read carefully: Figure out what happens first and what happens second.
2. Solve Step 1: Write a math sentence for the first part and find the answer.
3. Solve Step 2: Take your answer from Step 1 and use it in a new math sentence for the second part.

Example 1: Tom's Cards

The Problem: Tom has $45$ cards. He gets $23$ more, then gives away $12$. How many does he have now?

Step 1: Tom starts with $45$ cards and gets $23$ more. "Gets more" means we add. $45 + 23 = 68$ Now, Tom has $68$ cards.

Step 2: Next, he gives away $12$ cards. "Gives away" means we subtract. We use the $68$ from Step 1! $68 - 12 = 56$

Answer: Tom now has $56$ cards.

Example 2: The Bus Passengers

The Problem: A bus has $36$ passengers. $14$ get off and $22$ get on. How many passengers are on the bus now?

Step 1: The bus starts with $36$ passengers, and $14$ get off. "Get off" means we subtract. $36 - 14 = 22$ There are $22$ passengers left on the bus.

Step 2: Then, $22$ new passengers get on. "Get on" means we add. We use the $22$ from Step 1. $22 + 22 = 44$

Answer: There are now $44$ passengers on the bus.

Tips for Two-Step Problems

• Circle the numbers in the story.
• Underline the action words (like "gets more", "gives away", "lost", "found") so you know whether to add or subtract.
• Always write down the answer to your first step so you don't forget it!