Break the problem into steps
First find one missing amount, then use it in the next calculation.
| Step | Calculation |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2,450 + 1,375 |
| 2 | 3,825 - 980 |
Treat each step as a smaller problem.
Year 6
Solve addition and subtraction multi-step problems in contexts, deciding which operations and methods to use and why
Choose efficient addition and subtraction methods when solving multi-step context problems.
Lesson overview
Number - addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
Multi-step problems often need more than one calculation. We read carefully, decide what each step is asking, and choose a method that keeps the numbers organised.
Choose a sensible method
Some steps are easiest mentally, while others are better written down.
add near multiples
line up larger numbers
Pick the method that makes errors less likely.
Worked example
A shop sold 2,450 tickets on Friday and 1,375 on Saturday. It refunded 980 tickets. How many tickets stayed sold?
| Step | Number |
|---|---|
| Total sold | 3,825 |
| Refunded | 980 |
- Add 2,450 and 1,375 to get 3,825.
- Subtract 980 from 3,825.
- 3,825 - 980 = 2,845.
- So 2,845 tickets stayed sold.
Try it
Decide what each step means before you calculate.
Question 1
What is the first calculation in this problem: 1,280 books arrive, then 365 more arrive, and 412 are sent away?
Question 2
2,450 + 1,375 =
Question 3
3,825 - 980 =
Question 4
Which method is most sensible for 6,004 - 1,998?
choose an efficient method
Question 5
A school collected 3,600 pounds, then 875 pounds more, and spent 920 pounds. How much is left?
| Money in | Money out |
|---|---|
| 3,600 + 875 | 920 |
Common mistakes
Watch for these when working through the lesson.
- Using the wrong operation because only one number was noticed.
- Trying to do every step mentally when a written layout would help.
- Forgetting to use the answer from the first step in the second step.
Related topics
These ideas fit closely with this lesson.
- Use estimation to check answers to calculations.
- Use long multiplication and long division written methods.