Multi-Step Word Problems
Breaking down worded questions into individual steps, choosing the right operations and checking answers.
What is Multi-Step Word Problems?
Word problems describe a real-world situation using words instead of just numbers and symbols. Multi-step problems require two or more calculations to reach the answer.
These questions test whether you can understand what is being asked, identify the right operations, and work through each step carefully. They often combine several maths topics in one question.
Step-by-Step Method
Read the question twice
Read it once to understand the situation. Read it again to identify exactly what you need to find.
Identify the key information
Underline or circle the important numbers and words. Ignore any extra information that is not needed.
Break it into steps
Work out what you need to calculate first, second, third. Write each step separately.
Choose the right operation for each step
“Total” often means add. “Difference” means subtract. “Each” or “per” often means multiply or divide.
Check your answer makes sense
Does the answer seem reasonable for the situation? Have you answered the actual question asked?
Worked Examples
Pencils cost 35p each and pens cost 72p each. Sam buys 4 pencils and 3 pens. How much change does he get from 5 pounds?
Working
- Pencils: 4 x 35p = 140p.
- Pens: 3 x 72p = 216p.
- Total: 140 + 216 = 356p = 3.56 pounds.
- Change: 5.00 – 3.56 = 1.44 pounds.
A train travels at 60 mph. It leaves at 09:45 and arrives at 11:15. How far did it travel?
Working
- Duration: 09:45 to 11:15 = 1 hour 30 minutes = 1.5 hours.
- Distance = speed x time = 60 x 1.5 = 90 miles.
A cake is cut into 8 equal slices. Tom eats 1/4 of the cake. Sara eats 2 slices. What fraction is left?
Working
- 1/4 of 8 slices = 2 slices (Tom eats 2).
- Sara eats 2 slices.
- Total eaten: 2 + 2 = 4 slices.
- Remaining: 8 – 4 = 4 slices = 4/8 = 1/2.
Common Mistakes
Only answering part of the question (e.g. finding the total but not the change).
Read the question again at the end. Make sure you have answered exactly what was asked.
Not converting units (e.g. mixing pence and pounds, or minutes and hours).
Convert everything to the same unit before calculating.
Rushing without checking if the answer is sensible.
Ask yourself: does this answer make sense in the real world? Change should be less than what you paid.
Top Tips
- Draw a diagram or picture if it helps you understand the problem.
- Show all your working – even if your final answer is wrong, you may get method marks.
- Key words: “total” = add, “difference” = subtract, “each” = multiply, “share equally” = divide.
- If stuck, try working backwards from the answer choices (if given).
Ready to practise?
Put these techniques into action with our free practice papers.
Practise Maths Questions