Operations & Algebraic Thinking
GradesGrade 2Operations & Algebraic ThinkingOne- and Two-Step Word Problems

One- and Two-Step Word Problems

Operations & Algebraic Thinking
📖

One- and Two-Step Word Problems

Some problems need two math steps — read carefully and solve one step at a time!

A ONE-STEP problem needs a single addition or subtraction to solve. A TWO-STEP problem needs two math operations — you solve the first step, then use that answer in the second step. Read carefully and underline the important numbers!

🍎One-step problem
There are 43 apples in a basket.
16 are taken out.

How many apples are left?
→ 43 − 16 = 27 apples. Done in one step! ✅
🎒Two-step problem
Sam has 25 stickers. He buys 18 more.
Then he gives 12 to his sister.

How many does Sam have now?

Step 1: 25 + 18 = 43 stickers (after buying)
Step 2: 43 − 12 = 31 stickers (after giving away)
→ Sam has 31 stickers! 🎉

How to solve a two-step problem:

1Read the problem through twice
2Find ALL the numbers and what happens to them
3Decide what to do FIRST (add or subtract?)
4Solve Step 1 and write the answer
5Use that answer in Step 2 and solve
6Check: does the final answer make sense in the story?
✏️ Try It!

There are 60 seats on a bus. 24 people get on at Stop 1. Then 15 more get on at Stop 2. How many empty seats are left?

💡

Remember This!

Circle the question at the end of the problem! It tells you exactly what your final answer needs to be about.

Take Quiz 📝 — 26 Questions