Solving Two-Step Word Problems

A two-step word problem requires you to do TWO math operations in order to find the final answer.

Reading is good — doing is better. Practice Solving Two-Step Word Problems as an interactive lesson.

Definition

A two-step word problem is a math story problem where you cannot get the answer in just one calculation. You have to solve a smaller problem first, then use that answer to solve the bigger question. Think of it like two stepping stones — you must land on the first stone before you can reach the second one.

Remember the rule

READ → FIND STEP 1 → SOLVE STEP 1 → USE THAT ANSWER IN STEP 2 → SOLVE STEP 2 → Check your answer makes sense!

Key words

Two-step problem: A word problem that needs exactly two math steps to solve
Operation: A math action like adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing
Unknown: The number you are trying to find — often shown as a question mark or blank
Intermediate answer: The answer you get after the FIRST step, which you use again in the second step
Key words: Words in a problem that hint at which operation to use, like 'total,' 'left,' 'each,' or 'how many more'
Equation: A math number sentence that shows two sides equal each other, like 3 + 4 = 7
Altogether: A key word that usually means you need to add everything up for a total
Remaining: A key word that usually means you subtract to find what is left over

Worked examples

Mia has 8 crayons. She buys 6 more crayons. Then she gives 5 crayons to her friend. How many crayons does Mia have now?

→ Step 1: 8 + 6 = 14 crayons after buying more. Step 2: 14 − 5 = 9 crayons. Mia has 9 crayons. · You must finish the addition first before you can subtract what she gave away.

A baker makes 4 trays of muffins. Each tray holds 6 muffins. He sells 9 muffins. How many muffins are left?

→ Step 1: 4 × 6 = 24 muffins total. Step 2: 24 − 9 = 15 muffins. There are 15 muffins left. · Multiplication first gives you the total, then you subtract what was sold.

There are 30 students going on a field trip. They travel in vans that hold 6 students each. How many vans are needed? Then 2 more vans are added for teachers. How many vans are there altogether?

→ Step 1: 30 ÷ 6 = 5 vans for students. Step 2: 5 + 2 = 7 vans altogether. · Division gives you the number of student vans, then add the teacher vans.

Tom earns $7 doing chores on Saturday and $5 doing chores on Sunday. He spends $4 on a toy. How much money does Tom have left?

→ Step 1: $7 + $5 = $12 earned in total. Step 2: $12 − $4 = $8 left. Tom has $8. · Always add the earnings together first before subtracting what was spent.

A shelf has 3 rows of books. Each row has 8 books. A librarian adds 6 more books to the shelf. How many books are on the shelf now?

→ Step 1: 3 × 8 = 24 books already on the shelf. Step 2: 24 + 6 = 30 books total.

Common mistakes

Doing only one step and stopping early — always re-read the question to make sure you answered what was actually asked
Using the original numbers in Step 2 instead of the answer from Step 1
Choosing the wrong operation because a key word was misread — slow down and picture the story in your head
Forgetting to label the answer with units like dollars, crayons, or books
Trying to do both steps in your head at once — always write down the answer to Step 1 before moving on

FAQs

How do I know a problem has two steps?

After you solve what seems like the answer, re-read the question. If the problem still asks something else, you have more steps to do. Two-step problems usually have two separate questions or events happening in the story.

What if I use the wrong operation for one of the steps?

Your final answer will be wrong. Go back, re-read each sentence carefully, look for key words, and think about what is actually happening in the story — are things being joined, taken away, shared equally, or grouped?

Does it matter which step I do first?

Yes! The steps must be done in the order the story happens. The answer from Step 1 is needed to solve Step 2, so you cannot skip around.

Can a two-step problem use the same operation twice?

Absolutely! For example, you might add in Step 1 and add again in Step 2, or subtract twice. The two steps just need to be two separate calculations.

How can I check my answer?

Ask yourself: Does this number make sense in the story? You can also work backwards — start from your final answer and reverse the steps to see if you get back to the numbers in the original problem.

What should I write on my paper to keep track?

Write 'Step 1:' and solve it, then write 'Step 2:' and solve it. Always write a answer sentence at the end so you remember what the number means.

Want the whole picture for your child?

Every K–6 subject, an AI tutor that teaches step by step, unlimited practice, and a reward world.

Start a 3-day free trial