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 school sold 415 raffle tickets on Monday and 328 on Tuesday. The total is 733 tickets because 415 + 328 = 733.
Corrected: A school sold 415 raffle tickets on Monday and 328 on Tuesday. The total is 743 tickets because 415 + 328 = 743.
Adding 415 + 328: 5 + 8 = 13 (carry 1), 1 + 2 + 1 = 4, 4 + 3 = 7, giving 743. The original wrote 733, missing the carried 1 in the tens column.
2. Fix the sentence:
Ryan had $500. He bought a skateboard for $189 and pads for $76. He has $245 left because 189 + 76 = 265 and 500 − 265 = 245.
Corrected: Ryan had $500. He bought a skateboard for $189 and pads for $76. He has $235 left because 189 + 76 = 265 and 500 − 265 = 235.
The total spent is 189 + 76 = 265, and 500 − 265 = 235, not 245. The original subtracted incorrectly in the final step.
3. Fix the sentence:
A cafeteria served 362 lunches on Thursday and 289 on Friday. After removing 138 trays, there are 523 trays to wash because 362 + 289 = 651 and 651 − 138 = 523.
Corrected: A cafeteria served 362 lunches on Thursday and 289 on Friday. After removing 138 trays, there are 513 trays to wash because 362 + 289 = 651 and 651 − 138 = 513.
The total is 362 + 289 = 651 trays, and 651 − 138 = 513 trays to wash, not 523. The original made a subtraction error by writing 523 instead of 513.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A toy store received 1,350 action figures. It sold 478 online and 395 in the shop. There are 477 figures remaining.
Add the amounts sold: 478 + 395 = 873. Then subtract from the total received: 1,350 − 873 = 477 figures remaining.
2. Kayla earned $585 babysitting and $310 from chores. She donated $225 to charity. She has $670 left.
Add Kayla's earnings: $585 + $310 = $895. After donating $225, she has $895 − $225 = $670 left.
3. A school ordered 800 pencils and 450 erasers. Students used 675 items during the year. There are 575 items left.
Add all items ordered: 800 + 450 = 1,250. Then subtract what was used: 1,250 − 675 = 575 items left.
4. A clothing store sold shirts for $1,240 and pants for $865. It paid $730 in costs. The store's profit is $1,375
Add the revenue: $1,240 + $865 = $2,105. Then subtract costs: $2,105 − $730 = $1,375 profit.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. A class raised $1,125 from a bake sale and $490 from a car wash. They spent $860 on new supplies. How much money is left? Show your steps.
Sample answer: Step 1: 1,125 + 490 = 1,615 total raised. Step 2: 1,615 − 860 = 755. The class has $755 left.
First combine the money raised: $1,125 + $490 = $1,615. Then subtract spending: $1,615 − $860 = $755 remaining for the class.
2. How can drawing a diagram or writing an equation help you solve a two-step word problem?
Sample answer: Drawing a diagram or writing an equation organizes the information so you can see each step clearly. It prevents you from skipping a step or mixing up the numbers.
A diagram or equation organizes the given information so you can see each step clearly. This makes it easier to pick the right operations and avoid skipping a step or mixing up numbers.