What is this skill?
Two-step word problems are story problems that need two calculations, one after the other. For example: "Leo had 34 marbles, got 18 more, then gave away 9. How many does he have now?" First 34 + 18 = 52, then 52 − 9 = 43. Second graders also solve one-step problems within 100, including comparison problems that use words like fewer and more.
The math in each step is often something the child already knows how to do. What is new is reading carefully, holding the story in mind, deciding what to do first, and using the answer from the first step in the second one. Drawing a quick picture or bar model of the story is one of the most helpful strategies.
Why it matters
Word problems are where arithmetic becomes useful. Real situations rarely announce which operation to use, and they often involve more than one step. Learning to read a problem, picture what is happening and plan the steps is a skill that will be needed in every grade, and in everyday life.
Two-step problems also build working memory and patience. A child who learns to slow down, write down the first answer and then reread the question is building habits that pay off in multi-step problems in third, fourth and fifth grade, and in reading comprehension too.
Common mistakes
- Doing only the first step and stopping. After finding 52, a child may answer 52. Rereading the question at the end, "How many now?", shows that the story is not finished.
- Grabbing the numbers and adding them all, without reading the story. Asking "What is happening? Does the number get bigger or smaller?" before calculating helps.
- Being misled by words like fewer. "A friend has 7 fewer" means subtract from the first number, not add 7. Act out comparison stories with objects to make the meaning clear.
- Doing the steps in the wrong order. Retelling the story in your child’s own words, in order, usually sorts this out.
How to help at home
- Make up two-step stories from your day: "We had 24 crackers. We bought a box of 30, then ate 12 at lunch. How many are left?"
- Ask your child to draw the story with simple shapes or a bar before doing any math, then talk about which step comes first.
- Switch roles. Have your child make up a two-step story for you to solve, and check your answer.
- Praise the plan, not just the answer. "I like how you found how many he had after he got more, before you took any away."
Worked examples
These are real questions from the Tutorsaurus two-step word problems practice, with the answers worked out.
Example 1
Maya had 29 stickers and bought 17 more. How many now?
Answer: 46. 29 + 17 = 46.
Example 2
Jamal has 60 marbles. A friend has 15 fewer. How many does the friend have?
Answer: 45. "15 fewer" means subtract: 60 − 15 = 45.
Example 3
Leo had 34 rocks, got 10 more, then gave away 15. How many now?
Answer: 29. First 34 + 10 = 44. Then 44 − 15 = 29.