Two-Step Mixed Operation Stories

Two-step mixed operation stories

A two-step story problem asks you to do two calculations before you can give the final answer. Because the operations are mixed, the two steps may use addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.

1) Read for the question

Find what the problem is asking you to know at the end. That tells you the goal of your work.

2) Identify the two actions

Look for the numbers and decide what each one means in the story.

• If the story is combining groups, you may need to add or multiply.
• If something is being taken away, compared, or split, you may need to subtract or divide.

3) Work in the correct order

Do the first step that gets you a useful intermediate result. Then use that result in the second step.

• Write the intermediate answer clearly.
• Keep track of units if they are included.

4) Simplify the final answer

Make sure the answer is fully simplified and matches what the question asked.

5) Check your work

Re-read the story and see whether your answer makes sense. A quick estimate can help: the final result should be reasonable for the situation described.

Tip: If you are unsure, explain the story in your own words and ask: “What happens first? What happens next?”