Multi-Step Word Problems — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
A library has 7 shelves with 3 books each. It receives 4 more books and now has 11 books.
Corrected: A library has 7 shelves with 3 books each. It receives 4 more books and now has 25 books.
Multiply first: 7 × 3 = 21 books. Then add 4 more: 21 + 4 = 25, not 11.
2. Fix the sentence:
A shop has 20 roses and 15 tulips. They put them equally into 5 vases with 9 flowers each.
Corrected: A shop has 20 roses and 15 tulips. They put them equally into 5 vases with 7 flowers each.
Add first: 20 + 15 = 35 flowers. Then divide: 35 ÷ 5 = 7 flowers per vase, not 9.
3. Fix the sentence:
Mia earns $8 for 5 days of work and spends $12. She has $32 left.
Corrected: Mia earns $8 for 5 days of work and spends $12. She has $28 left.
Multiply first: 5 × $8 = $40 earned. Then subtract $12 spent: $40 - $12 = $28, not $32.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A garden has 9 red flowers and 6 yellow flowers. After picking 4 flowers, there are 11 left.
Add: 9 + 6 = 15 flowers total. Then subtract picked: 15 - 4 = 11 flowers left.
2. There are 5 tables with 8 plates each. The waiter brings 10 more plates. There are 50 plates total.
Multiply first: 5 × 8 = 40 plates. Then add 10 more: 40 + 10 = 50 plates.
3. Carlos has 100 points. He loses 35 points and then loses 20 more. He has 45 points left.
Add losses: 35 + 20 = 55 points lost. Then 100 - 55 = 45 points remaining.
4. Sophie buys 2 packs of 10 markers and 6 extra markers. She has 26 markers in all.
Multiply first: 2 × 10 = 20 markers from packs. Then add 6 extras: 20 + 6 = 26 markers.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. Dan has 4 bags of 7 oranges. He gives away 10 oranges. He has 18 oranges left.
True False
4 × 7 = 28 oranges, then 28 - 10 = 18 oranges left. The statement checks out.
2. There are 15 boys and 25 girls. They form teams of 8. They can make 6 full teams.
True False
Total is 15 + 25 = 40 kids. Then 40 ÷ 8 = 5 full teams, not 6.
3. A farmer collects 3 baskets of 6 eggs and finds 2 more eggs. He has 20 eggs total.
True False
3 × 6 = 18 eggs in baskets, then 18 + 2 = 20 eggs total. The statement is correct.