Equations with Addition and Subtraction—Let's Practice
Basics on the topic Equations with Addition and Subtraction—Let's Practice
Solving Two-Step Word Problems with Addition and Subtraction – Introduction
We're diving into the world of two-step word problems. These brain teasers require us to use both addition and subtraction to find our answers. As we embark on this mathematical journey, remember that solving word problems is like unraveling a mystery, and you're the detective!
What Are Two-Step Word Problems?
Two-step word problems ask us to perform two separate operations – in this case, addition and subtraction – to find the solution. First, we gather clues by reading the problem carefully. Then, we use mathematical operations as our tools to solve the mystery.
Here are the steps to tackle a two-step word problem:
| Step # | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Read the problem and determine what you are asked to find. |
| 2 | Identify the relevant information and numbers. |
| 3 | Decide which operations to use and in what order. |
| 4 | Write an equation using the numbers and operations. |
| 5 | Solve the equation step by step. |
| 6 | Check your answer to ensure it makes sense with the problem. |
Let's practice understanding two-step word problems with a couple of exercises.
Solving Two-Step Word Problems – Example
Ash's Garden Problem:
Ash has a total of 63 varieties of plants in their garden. They have 28 varieties of tomatoes and 14 varieties of squash. The rest of the plants are peppers. Our task is to find out how many peppers plants Ash has.
Steps to Solve the Problem:
| Step # | Action | Equation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Write an equation for the total varieties of plants. Let P represent the number of pepper varieties we need to find. | $$ 28 + 14 + P = 63 $$ |
| 2 | Add the numbers of tomato and squash varieties to see how many are not peppers. | $$ 28 + 14 = 42 $$ |
| 3 | Subtract this sum from the total varieties to find the number of pepper plants. | $$ 63 - 42 = 21 $$ |
Ash has 21 pepper plants!
Let’s have a look at one more example together.
Samir's Bike Fund Problem:
Samir is saving up for a new bike that costs $279. He already has $45 saved, and he got $91 for his birthday. Our goal is to figure out how much more money he needs to save for the bike.
Steps to Solve the Problem:
| Step # | Action | Equation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Write an equation for the total cost of the bike. Let M represent the money Samir still needs: | $$ 45 + 91 + M = 279 $$ |
| 2 | Add the money Samir already has and his birthday money: | $$ 45 + 91 = 136 $$ |
| 3 | Subtract this sum from the total cost to find out how much more money Samir needs: | $$ 279 - 136 = 143 $$ |
Samir needs to save an additional $143 for his new bike.
Solving Two-Step Word Problems – Application
Now, let's put your skills to the test. Solve these problems on your own, and check the solutions when you're ready!
Solving Two-Step Word Problems – Summary
Key Learnings from this Text:
- Solving problems with two steps is easy and can be achieved by following the steps:
| Step # | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Read the problem and determine what you are asked to find. |
| 2 | Identify the relevant information and numbers. |
| 3 | Decide which operations to use and in what order. |
| 4 | Write an equation using the numbers and operations. |
| 5 | Solve the equation step by step. |
| 6 | Check your answer to ensure it makes sense with the problem. |
- Mastering two-step problem-solving is an important skill in worded problems
Keep practicing these steps, and you'll become a pro at solving two-step word problems! Check out more fun math challenges and exercises on our website to continue sharpening your skills.
Solving Two-Step Word Problems – Frequently Asked Questions
Transcript Equations with Addition and Subtraction—Let's Practice
Razzi says get these items ready (...) Because today we're going to practice... Equations with Addition and Subtraction. It's time to begin! Solve the following TWO STEP word problem by writing an equation. Ash has sixty-three varieties of plants in their garden. There are twenty-eight varieties of tomatoes and fourteen varieties of squash. The rest of the varieties are peppers. How many different varieties of peppers are there? Pause the video to work on the problem (...) and press play when you are ready to see the solution! The equation is twenty-eight plus (...) fourteen plus (...)
to represent the peppers (...) equals sixty-three. Next, add twenty-eight and fourteen to get (...) forty-two. Last, subtract forty-two from sixty-three (...) to get twenty-one. Did you also get twenty-one? Let's try one more! Solve the following TWO STEP word problem by writing an equation. Samir is saving money for a new bike that costs two hundred seventy-nine dollars. He already has forty-five dollars saved and is given ninety-one dollars for his birthday. How much more money does Samir need to save? Pause the video to work on the problem (...) and press play when you are ready to see the solution! The equation is forty-five plus (...) ninety-one plus (...)
Equations with Addition and Subtraction—Let's Practice exercise
-
How many sunflowers are there?
HintsSet up the equation like this:
- 45 + 12 + S = 83
Here is the next step of solving for S.
- 45 + 12 = 57
Here is the next step of solving for S.
- 57 + S = 83
Here is the next step of solving for S.
- S = 83 - 57
SolutionHere are the steps for solving the word problem:
- 45 + 12 + S = 83
- 45 + 12 = 57
- 57 + S = 83
- S = 83 - 57
- S = 26
Marsha collected 26 sunflowers on the hike.
-
Penguins at the aquarium.
HintsSet up the equation like this:
- 23 + 13 + P = 67
Here is the next step of solving for P.
- 23 + 13 = 36
Here is the next step of solving for P.
- 36 + P = 67
Here is the next step of solving for P.
- P = 67 - 36
SolutionHere are the steps for solving the word problem:
- 23 + 13 + P = 67
- 23 + 13 = 36
- 36 + P = 67
- P = 67 - 36
- P = 31
Elijah saw 31 penguins at the aquarium.
-
How much money does Mohammed need for a camera?
HintsSet up the equation:
amount saved + amount given for his birthday + amount Mohammed needs to save = total cost
The first step for solving for S is to add the amount saved and the amount given for his birthday.
The next step is to subtract the sum of the amount saved and the amount given to Mohammed on his birthday from the total cost.
SolutionHere are the steps for solving the word problem:
- 94 + 114 + S = 235
- 93 + 114 = 208
- 208 + S = 235
- S = 235 - 208
- S = 27
Mohammed needs to save 27 dollars.
-
Jamie needs to save money for drums.
HintsThe first step for solving for S is to add the amount saved and the amount given on Jamie's birthday.
The next step is to subtract the sum of the amount saved and the amount given on Jamie's birthday from the total cost.
SolutionHere are the steps for solving the word problem:
- 117 + 143 + S = 321
- 117 + 143 = 260
- 260 + S = 321
- S = 321 - 260
- S = 61
Jamie needs to save 61 dollars.
-
Write the equation.
HintsUse S for the amount Mia needs to save.
Here is how to write the equation:
amount saved + amount given for a holiday + amount Mia needs to save = total cost
SolutionThe addends are interchangeable so any order is correct.
This is how to write the equation.
* 76 + 100 + S = 249
This is how you solve the problem:
- 76 + 100 = 176
- 176 + S = 249
- 249 - 176 = 73
- S = 73
-
A deer ate the garden cucumbers!
HintsThe first step for solving for C is by adding the number of strawberries and tomatoes.
The second step for solving for C is to subtract the total amount from the combined amount of strawberries and tomatoes.
Once you've solved for C, subtract the amount of cucumbers eaten by the deer.
SolutionHere are the steps for solving the two part word problem:
- 43 + 78 + C = 141
- 43 + 78 = 121
- 121 + C = 141
- C = 141 - 121
- C = 20
- 20 - 16 = 4
