Maths Adventure Time: Conquering Two-Step Word Problems!

Hello Problem-Solving Champions! You’ve become experts at solving one-step word problems. Now, get ready for an exciting new adventure: two-step word problems! These are like maths stories with an extra twist or a second part to the puzzle. You’ll need to use your addition and subtraction skills twice to find the final answer. It takes careful thinking, but you’re definitely up for the challenge!

Your Super Strategy for Two-Step Puzzles!

Solving a two-step word problem means you have two calculations to do. Here’s a good way to approach them. Think of it like R-U-P-C-S (like “Rucks” with a Plan!):

• R – Read: Read the whole problem carefully to understand the entire story.
• U – Understand & Underline: Figure out what the final question is asking. Underline the important numbers and any keyword clues for each step.
• P – Plan (The Two Steps!): This is the new important part!
  • What is the first thing you need to work out? What operation (add or subtract) will you use?
  • What is the second thing you need to work out, using the answer from your first step? What operation will you use for this second step?
• C – Calculate: Do the first calculation. Then, use that answer to do the second calculation.
• S – Sense Check & State: Does your final answer make sense with the whole story? Write down your final answer clearly.

Let’s Solve Some Two-Step Mysteries!

Example 1: Addition, then Subtraction “Sarah had 145 beads. Her mum gave her 60 more beads. Then, Sarah used 85 beads to make a necklace. How many beads does Sarah have left?”

• Plan Step 1: First, find out how many beads Sarah had after her mum gave her more. This is addition (145 + 60).
  • Calculate Step 1: 145 + 60 = 205 beads.
• Plan Step 2: Now, find out how many beads are left after she used some. This is subtraction (using the answer from Step 1, which is 205, then subtract 85).
  • Calculate Step 2: 205 − 85 = 120 beads.
• Sense Check & State: Sarah has 120 beads left. (Does this seem reasonable? Yes!)

Example 2: Subtraction, then Addition “A shop had 280 apples. They sold 110 apples in the morning. Later, they got a delivery of 75 more apples. How many apples does the shop have now?”

• Plan Step 1: First, find out how many apples were left after the morning sales. This is subtraction (280 − 110).
  • Calculate Step 1: 280 − 110 = 170 apples.
• Plan Step 2: Now, find out the new total after the delivery. This is addition (using the answer from Step 1, which is 170, then add 75).
  • Calculate Step 2: 170 + 75 = 245 apples.
• Sense Check & State: The shop has 245 apples now.

You might also see problems with two additions or two subtractions! Always read carefully to plan your two steps.

Test Your Two-Step Detective Skills! (18 Puzzles)

Ready to tackle some exciting two-part maths stories? Here are 18 two-step word problems. Read each one carefully, plan your two steps, calculate carefully, and then check if your final answer makes sense!

(Your web app with the 18 questions will go here. The problems should be varied two-step addition and/or subtraction scenarios with numbers up to three digits.)

Why is Conquering Two-Step Problems So Awesome?

• Real-Life Maths Power: Many real-world problems have more than one step!
• Super Boosts Your Thinking: You learn to plan and think ahead in your calculations.
• Builds Problem-Solving Stamina: You get used to working through more complex challenges.
• Makes You a Maths Strategist: You’re not just calculating; you’re planning your attack on the problem!

Tips for Grown-Ups: Guiding Through Two-Step Challenges

Two-step word problems require children to hold more information in their heads and to sequence operations correctly. Breaking down the problem is key.

• Focus on Identifying the Two Parts: Ask, “What needs to happen first in this story? What happens after that?”
• “What Does the First Answer Tell You?”: Ensure they understand the meaning of the result from the first step before they try to use it in the second step.
• Use Different Colours: When underlining important information, perhaps use one colour for the numbers/keywords for step 1, and another for step 2.
• Draw it Out or Use Bar Models: Visual representations like bar models can be very helpful for children to see the relationships between the numbers in each step.
• Work Backwards (Sometimes): For some children, thinking about the final question and what they need to know just before that can help them identify the first step.
• Celebrate Each Step: Acknowledge the successful completion of the first step before moving on to the second.