Two-Step Word Problem (Translate to equation)

Free interactive math game: Two-Step Word Problem — Translate to equation. Part of the Equations category on MathKite.

Example problems

Taken from the generator that powers this exercise. A fresh set appears every time the page is opened, and the printable worksheet holds ten of them.

  1. Ben has 2 times as much money as Max, plus $11. Together they have $50. How much does Max have?
  2. Max has 2 times as much money as Ben, plus $12. Together they have $30. How much does Ben have?
  3. Max has 4 times as much money as Ben, plus $5. Together they have $45. How much does Ben have?
  4. Max has 4 times as much money as Emma, plus $10. Together they have $35. How much does Emma have?

About this exercise

Solving a story that needs two calculations rather than one.

How to solve it

Deal with the extra amount first so that what remains splits evenly, then share out the rest.

Worked example

If one person has 4 times what the other has plus 8, and together they have 48, remove the 8 to leave 40, which splits into 5 equal parts of 8.

Common mistake

Stopping after the first step. The number you get halfway through is rarely the answer to the question asked.