Multi-step word problems

Key Notes :

  1. Understanding the Problem: Students need to carefully read and comprehend the problem to identify what needs to be solved and what information is given.
  2. Breaking Down the Problem: Breaking the problem into smaller parts or steps makes it more manageable. This may involve identifying the different operations needed and the sequence in which they should be performed.
  3. Using Relevant Math Skills: Applying various math concepts like fractions, decimals, percentages, and understanding of operations is crucial. Students might need to convert units or use formulas to solve parts of the problem.
  4. Sequential Approach: Performing operations step by step in the correct order is essential. Students need to be aware of the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS) to avoid errors.
  5. Checking for Reasonableness: After finding a solution, students should check whether the answer makes sense in the context of the problem. They can estimate or use inverse operations to verify the correctness of their answer.

Learn with an example

1) Paul bought 9 books about plants and 10 books about fish. He also bought 4 science magazines. Each book cost ₹1,087 and each magazine cost ₹370.

How much did Paul spend in all?

₹_____

Step 1: Find the total number of books.

9 + 10 = 19

Step 2: Find the cost of the books.

₹1,087 × 19 = ₹20,653

Step 3: Find the cost of the magazines.

₹370 × 4 = ₹1,480

Step 4: Find the total cost.

₹1,480 + ₹20,653 = ₹22,133

Paul spent ₹22,133.

2) Haley bought stamps at the post office. Some of the stamps had a snowflake design, some had a truck design, and some had a rose design. Haley bought 14 snowflake stamps. She bought 8 more truck stamps than snowflake stamps, and 17 fewer rose stamps than truck stamps.

How many stamps did Haley buy in all?

​ ______stamps

Step 1: Find the number of truck stamps.

14 + 8 = 22

Step 2: Find the number of rose stamps.

22 − 17 = 5

Step 3: Find the total number of snowflake, truck, and rose stamps.

14 + 22 + 5 = 41

Haley bought 41 stamps.

3) Ling bought 6 packages of cat food and 3 packages of dog food. Each package of cat food contained 5 tins, and each package of dog food contained 4 tins.

How many more tins of cat food than dog food did Ling buy?

​ ______tins

Step 1: Find the number of tins of cat food.

6 × 5 = 30

Step 2: Find the number of tins of dog food.

3 × 4 = 12

Step 3: Find the difference.

30 − 12 = 18

Ling bought 18 more tins of cat food.

Let’s practice!🖊️