Two-Step Problems
Lesson
Topic Index | Grade 4 Math | Elementary Test Prep | StudyZone

Sometimes you need to answer 
more than one question 
in order to solve a problem

Read the problem carefully 
and decide what information must be found
before you can solve the entire problem

 Determining what the
 "hidden question" is
can help you find
a final answer

Example 1:

The bakery will use 20 sacks of flour 
preparing for a banquet.
They have 8 sacks in stock.
The flour comes in containers of 4 sacks each.
How many containers must the bakery order?

Think:
What is the "hidden question"?

    Decide:
    How many sacks of flour does the bakery need?

       
Work:
       
20 - 8 = 12 sacks needed

       
Then Answer the MAIN question:
            
How many containers must the bakery order?
            
12 needed ÷ 4 in each container = 3 containers

Example 2:

Willie bought 4 flowers for his mom.
Each flower cost $2.00.
How much change did he get back 
from his $10 bill?

Think:
What is the "hidden question"?

    Decide:
    What did the 4 flowers cost?

       
Work:
       
4 x $2 = $8

       
Then Answer the MAIN question:
            
How much change did he get back from his $10 bill?
            
$10 - 8 = $2

          

Remember:

* Read each problem carefully
  * Decide what the "hidden question" is
* The use it to help find your final answer

Let's Practice!
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Topic Index| Grade 4 Math | Elementary Test Prep | StudyZone

Created by Ed Fayette
Updated by Nicole Freebern
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