Skill: Solve simple two-step problems

A two-step problem has two connected actions. Solve the first action to find an intermediate amount, then use that amount in the second action.

Example:
Mia has $(24)$ stickers. She gets $(15)$ more stickers, then gives $8$ stickers to her brother. How many stickers does Mia have now?

Step 1: Find the intermediate amount

Mia starts with $(24)$ stickers and gets $(15)$ more, so add:

$$24+15=39$$

After getting more stickers, Mia has $(39)$ stickers.

Step 2: Use that amount to find the final answer

Mia gives away $8$ stickers, so subtract:

$$39-8=31$$

Mia has $(31)$ stickers now.

The two steps can be shown with equations:

$$24+15=39$$ $$39-8=31$$

The $(39)$ is the intermediate result. It tells us how many stickers Mia has before she gives some away.