Helping with multi-step problems (ages 14–16)
Multi-step problems need to be broken into parts. You don't need the answer yourself – ask the right questions and let your child write each step.
The four-step method
1. Read and underline what is asked. 2. List every number with its unit. 3. Work one sub-step per line and say what each result means. 4. Check: is the answer reasonable and in the right unit?
Example 1: Tickets with a discount
4 tickets cost £35 each with 20% off. Step 1: 4 × 35 = £140. Step 2: 20% of 140 = £28. Step 3: 140 − 28 = £112. Check: a bit less than £140 – reasonable.
Example 2: Fuel cost
A car drives 240 km using 6 litres per 100 km. Fuel costs £1.50 per litre. Step 1: 240 ÷ 100 = 2.4. Step 2: 2.4 × 6 = 14.4 litres. Step 3: 14.4 × 1.50 = £21.60. Check: the unit is pounds.
Example 3: Average speed
A trip is 90 km in 1 h, then 60 km in 1 h. Step 1: total distance 150 km. Step 2: total time 2 h. Step 3: 150 ÷ 2 = 75 km/h. Common mistake: averaging the speeds when the times differ.
Good questions to ask
“What do you need to find?” “Which number do you need first?” “What does this result mean?” “Can you estimate quickly?” Let your child explain aloud – they often spot the mistake themselves.