Multi-Step Word Problems
Solve whole number word problems involving Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction.
10 Random questions per game.
Multi-step Word Problem Game
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This Multi-step Word Problem Game/Worksheet is a great way to put your skills to the test in a fun environment. By practicing, you’ll start to work out the answers efficiently.
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Multi-step Word Problem Quiz/Game
In third grade or fourth, a multi-step word problem requires students to perform several separate operations to find the final answer. These problems usually involve using a combination of multiplication, division, addition and subtraction steps.
The key is to solve for the intermediate steps that is not directly asked for, but is needed to solve the final question. Scroll down the page for a more detailed explanation.
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How to Play the Math Masters Game
- Look at the Problem: Read the problem carefully. Solve it and select one of the answers.
- Check Your Work: If you selected the right answer, it will be highlighted in green. If you are wrong, it will be highlighted in red and the correct answer will be highlighted in green. A hint will be given to help you find the correct answer.
- Get a New Problem: Click “Next Problem” for a new problem.
Your score is tracked, showing how many you’ve gotten right. - Finish Game When you have completed 10 questions, your final score will be displayed.
Solving Multi-Step Whole Number Word Problems
Multi-step word problems require you to perform two or more operations (+, -, ×, or ÷) to find the final answer. The key is to break the problem into smaller “mini-problems."
The 4-Step Strategy
- Read and Annotate: Circle the numbers and underline the question. What is the goal?
- Identify the “Hidden” Question: Multi-step problems always have a value you need to find before you can solve the main question.
- Plan the Operations: Look for keywords to decide which operation comes first.
- Solve and Check: Perform the calculations and ask, “Does this answer make sense?”
Operation: Addition (+)
Action: Combining groups
Keywords: Total, sum, altogether, both, in all.
Operation: Subtraction (-)
Action: Finding a difference
Keywords: Remaining, how many more, left, change.
Operation: Multiplication (×)
Action: Total of Equal groups
Keywords: Each, times, product, total of equal sets.
Operation: Division (÷)
Action: Splitting into groups
Keywords: Share, per, split, goes into, each (finding one).
Example Problems
- Addition & Subtraction
Problem: Sarah had $150. She bought a jacket for $45 and shoes for $62. How much money does she have left?
Step 1 (The Hidden Question): How much did she spend in total?
45 + 62 = 107
Step 2 (The Main Question): How much is left?
150 - 107 = 43
Answer: Sarah has $43 left. - Multiplication & Addition (The “Inventory” Problem)
Problem: A classroom has 4 boxes of markers with 12 markers in each. The teacher also has 7 loose markers on her desk. How many markers are there in total?
Step 1 (The Hidden Question): How many markers are in the boxes?
4 × 12 = 48
Step 2 (The Main Question): What is the grand total?
48 + 7 = 55
Answer: There are $55 markers in total. - Division & Subtraction (The “Sharing” Problem)
Problem: A farmer harvested 80 apples. He threw away 8 rotten ones and packed the rest into bags of $9$. How many bags did he fill?
Step 1 (The Hidden Question): How many good apples are left to pack?
80 - 8 = 72
Step 2 (The Main Question): How many groups of 9 can be made?
$72 ÷ 9 = 8
Answer: He filled 8 bags. - Multiplication & Division (The “Large Group” Problem)
Problem: A school is taking 6 classes on a field trip. Each class has 20 students. If each bus holds 40 students, how many buses are needed?
Step 1 (The Hidden Question): How many total students are going?
6 × 20 = 120
Step 2 (The Main Question): How many buses fit 120 students?
120 ÷ 40 = 3
Answer: They need 3 buses.
This video gives a clear, step-by-step approach to explain how to solve multi-step word problems.
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