How to explain two-step addition and subtraction word problems - up to 100 in word problems to your student: Example question
30 October 2026
Two-step word problems help children practise using both addition and subtraction to solve real-life situations. It's important for your child to spot what happens first, then what happens next, before choosing the right operation each time.
Worked example
Emma has 45 stickers. She gives 12 stickers to her friend and then buys 23 more stickers. How many stickers does Emma have now?
Start with the number of stickers Emma has.
45 stickers.
Subtract the stickers she gives to her friend.
45 - 12 = 33 stickers.
Add the stickers she buys.
33 + 23 = 56 stickers.
Emma now has 56 stickers.
Key insight: After working through this example, your child will see how to break a problem into smaller steps and find the answer in order. They'll be ready to try similar two-step addition and subtraction word problems up to 100 on their own.
