N.1 Multi-Step Word Problems with Addition and Subtraction
What are multi-step word problems?
Multi-step word problems are math problems that require more than one calculation to find the answer. You may need to add, subtract, or use both operations in order to solve the problem completely.
- Sam had 245 marbles. He gave 126 to his friend. Then he bought 87 more. How many marbles does Sam have now?
In multi-step problems, solving only the first part will not give the full answer—you must carefully follow each step.
How do you identify a multi-step problem?
You can identify a multi-step word problem if the question asks you to perform more than one operation (such as both addition and subtraction) before finding the final answer.
- Look for key details: numbers and actions (gave, bought, lost, received).
- Decide what happens first and what happens next.
- Check if solving one operation still leaves more to do.
Underline or highlight important numbers and words in the problem to keep track of each step.
Solving multi-step addition and subtraction problems
To solve, work step by step: complete the first calculation, then use the result to finish the next part of the problem.
- A library had 368 books. 152 were checked out. The library bought 75 new books. How many books are in the library now?
- Step 1: 368 − 152 = 216 books remain after some were checked out.
- Step 2: 216 + 75 = 291 books are now in the library.
- Final Answer: 291 books
Always solve one step at a time and write down your work to stay organized. Reread the problem to make sure the answer matches the question.
Tips to remember
Multi-step problems can seem tricky, but breaking them into smaller parts makes them manageable and clear.
- Circle key words that tell you the operation (gave away → subtract, added → add).
- Write each step in order, don’t skip ahead.
- Check your final answer by rereading the problem.
Good problem solvers always check if their answer makes sense in real life.