Two-Step Problems With All Four Operations

Step 1: Let's Learn

Read it, or press Listen and follow the words.

You have four operations now. A two-step problem can use any two of them.

Find the hidden question

Ask what you need to know before you can answer what was asked.

Order matters

Multiplying and dividing usually come before adding and subtracting in these problems.

Estimate to check

Round the numbers and get a rough answer first. It catches big mistakes.

Deciding the order of the steps

A two-step problem has a first question hidden inside it. Find that, answer it, and the second step becomes straightforward. Reading the whole problem before touching any number is what lets you find the hidden question rather than guessing.

One line per step

Write each step as its own equation on its own line. This makes your reasoning readable, makes errors findable, and stops you mixing the middle answer with the final one. It also matters more here than in Grade 2, because there are now four operations in play.

Estimate the final answer first

Before calculating, form a rough expectation. Four bags of about 25 is about 100, minus a few, so somewhere near 90. Now if the arithmetic produces 900 or 9 you know something went wrong without having to recheck every step.

Step 2: Try It Yourself

Tap and try it out.

Draw what you know. The missing piece shows the operation.

First amount and Second amount

In all

24 and 18 make 42.

First amount

Second amount

Step 3: Watch an Example

One step at a time.

Watch Ana Plan Two Steps

6 boxes hold 8 pencils each. 15 pencils are given away.

Step 1
She sees the question asks about the end, not the middle.

Step 4: Your Turn

Practice makes it stick.

The Sweet Shop

Problem 1 of 3

4 bags of 9 sweets. 12 are eaten. How many are left?

sweets

The Class Trip

Problem 2 of 3

48 children go in groups of 6. Then 2 more groups join. How many groups in all?

groups

The Bookshelf

Problem 3 of 3

35 books are shared onto 5 shelves. Then 4 more go on one shelf. How many on that shelf?

books

Two Steps, Four Operations

1 of 4

7 × 6 − 15 = ?

2 of 4

54 ÷ 9 + 12 = ?

3 of 4

8 × 7 − 26 = ?

4 of 4

63 ÷ 7 + 25 = ?

Step 5: Quick Check

Show what you know.

Question 1 of 2

9 × 6 − 20 = ?

Question 2 of 2

What should you do before working a two-step problem?

What You Learned

A two-step problem hides a first question.
Multiplication and division usually come first.
Estimate before you start, and check at the end.