Two-step addition and subtraction problems involve a quantity that changes or is compared, followed by a second change or comparison; solving them requires identifying each step, choosing addition or subtraction, and tracking the intermediate quantity to find the final unknown. With whole-number quantities within 20, drawings, bar models, number lines, and equations such as can represent the relationships, while larger numbers, formal algebraic generalizations, and more complex multi-step cases are beyond this scope.
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Detailed Explanation: Solve simple two-step problems
A two-step problem has two changes. Solve the first change, then use that answer for the second change.
Example:
Mia has 8 stickers. She gets 5 more stickers. Then she gives 3 stickers away. How many stickers does she have now?
Step 1: Find how many stickers Mia has after getting more.
Getting more means add:
Mia has 13 stickers.
Step 2: Find how many stickers are left after giving some away.
Giving away means subtract:
Mia has 10 stickers now.
You can show both steps in one equation:
Remember: solve the first change, keep that answer, and use it for the second change.
Learn by doing: Solve simple two-step problems
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Practice:
Subtraction - Missing Value, 1 Digit, 2 Numbers
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Download/Modify Free Grade 1 'Solve simple two-step problems' Worksheet
Print this free 'Solve simple two-step problems' worksheet to practice this skill away from the computer. Click 'Modify' to easily customize this worksheet to your exact needs.
This Worksheet Includes:
- Subtraction - Missing Value, 1 Digit, 2 Numbers
- Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture and Instruction to Word (Within 20)
- Picture Numbers - Subtracting - Picture and Instruction to Number (Within 20)
- Subtraction - Missing Value, Within 5
- Addition - Missing Value, 1 Digit, 1 Number
- Addition - Missing Value, 1 Digit, 2 Numbers
Units Teaching This Skill
These adaptive units introduce, teach, or reinforce this skill (Solve simple two-step problems) through scaffolded problems that grow in difficulty as concepts are understood.