Two-step total
Find two parts, then combine them to get the whole.
Read carefully to see whether the problem needs adding first.
Year 5
Solve addition and subtraction multi-step problems in contexts, deciding which operations and methods to use and why
Solve multi-step addition and subtraction problems and justify the method used.
Lesson overview
Number - addition and subtraction
Some problems need more than one calculation. We first decide what the question is asking, then choose the operations in the right order. A quick estimate can help check the final answer.
Difference after an addition
Sometimes you add one amount and then compare with another amount.
Keep track of the order of the steps.
Estimate the result
Use rounded numbers to check that the final answer is sensible.
An estimate helps check the final step.
Worked example
A theatre sold 24,500 tickets on Friday and 13,700 on Saturday. It sold 29,600 on Sunday. How many more tickets were sold on Friday and Saturday together than on Sunday?
- Add Friday and Saturday: 24,500 + 13,700 = 38,200.
- Compare that total with Sunday.
- Subtract 29,600 from 38,200.
- The difference is 8,600 tickets.
Round 1: Learn it
Work out the steps in order before you calculate.
Finish this round to unlock Round 2: Show you know it.
Question 1
What is the first step in the theatre problem?
Question 2
A library bought 18,400 books and removed 6,250 old books. How many books were added overall?
Question 3
A school had 42,300 pupils and 1,250 left. Then 900 joined. Which calculation shows the new total?
Question 4
Find 38,200 - 29,600.
Question 5
About what is 38,200 - 29,600?
Common mistakes
Watch for these as you work through the lesson.
- Using the right numbers in the wrong order.
- Stopping after the first step without answering the actual question.
- Forgetting to check whether the final answer is sensible.
Related topics
These ideas connect closely to this lesson.
- Add and subtract whole numbers with more than 4 digits, including using formal written methods where appropriate.
- Use rounding to check answers to calculations and determine, in the context of a problem, levels of accuracy.