Multi-Step Word Problems
Break the story into small steps and label each quantity.
The rules
- Underline the question and write down what each number is.
- Translate sentences into equations one at a time.
- Check units and whether the answer is reasonable.
- Don't stop at an intermediate quantity.
Watch out: Answering a middle question instead of what is asked.
Worked example
A shirt costs $20. It is discounted by 25%, and then 8% tax is added. What is the final price?
- Discount: 20 · 0.75 = 15.
- Tax: 15 · 1.08 = 16.20.
Answer: $16.20
Try it yourself
Practice questions for this skill are for signed-in students. A free account is all you need.