Multi-Step Addition and Subtraction Stories
These word problems ask you to combine addition and subtraction in more than one step. The main challenge is to understand what happens first, what changes next, and what the question is asking at the end.
1. Read and identify the changes
- Find the numbers in the story.
- Decide whether each part means add or subtract.
- Look for clues like more, total, altogether for addition and left, fewer, gave away, spent for subtraction.
2. Work step by step
- Solve the story in the order it happens.
- Write one equation for each step if needed.
- Keep track of the amount after each change.
Example method:
- Start with the first amount.
- Add or subtract the next change.
- Use that result for the final step.
3. Answer the question
- Make sure your final number matches the exact question.
- Include units if the problem gives them, such as apples, dollars, or books.
4. Check your work
- Re-read the story and see if your operations make sense.
- Estimate whether the answer should be larger or smaller than the starting amount.
- If you can, solve the steps in reverse to see whether you get back to the beginning.
A careful step-by-step method helps avoid mixing up the order of operations in the story.