Multi-step word problems are problems that require more than one operation to find the correct answer. You may need to add, subtract, multiply, or divide — or use a combination of these operations — to solve the problem completely.
Always read the problem carefully to decide which operations are needed and in what order to perform them.
To solve multi-step word problems, follow a logical plan. Start by understanding what the question is asking, then choose the correct operations to find the answer.
Show all your work clearly. Writing each step helps prevent mistakes and makes it easier to check your answer.
Each problem gives clues that tell you which operations to use. Look for words and phrases that signal what to do.
Some problems use more than one clue word. Always think about what the problem means before deciding on the operations.
After solving, check that your answer makes sense. You can use the opposite operation to verify your work or estimate to see if the answer is reasonable.
If your check does not work or your answer seems too high or too low, go back and review each step carefully.
Estimation helps you quickly predict what the answer should be. Round numbers to the nearest ten or hundred to make calculations easier, then solve to see if your estimate matches your final answer.
Estimation helps you check if your exact answer is reasonable before or after solving a problem.