Let's solve each of the
2-step word problems step by step and explain the reasoning.
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A. The elves made 94 toys last night and 49 toys today. They were wrapping the toys up and a box fell and 8 toys got broken. How many toys are left?
Step 1: Find the total number of toys made.
- Last night: 94 toys
- Today: 49 toys
- Total = 94 + 49 =
143 toys
Step 2: Subtract the broken toys.
- Broken: 8 toys
- Left = 143 - 8 =
135 toys
✔ Answer: 135 toys are left.
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B. We had 18 red bows and 14 green bows in a box. We used 24 bows for our presents. How many bows are left in the box?
Step 1: Find the total number of bows.
- Red bows: 18
- Green bows: 14
- Total = 18 + 14 =
32 bows
Step 2: Subtract the bows used.
- Used: 24 bows
- Left = 32 - 24 =
8 bows
✔ Answer: 8 bows are left.
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C. Our class made 63 snowflakes to decorate our room. We put 38 snowflakes on the windows. Then we decided to put 15 snowflakes on the door. How many snowflakes do we have left?
Step 1: Total snowflakes made = 63
Step 2: Subtract snowflakes used:
- On windows: 38
- On door: 15
- Total used = 38 + 15 =
53
- Left = 63 - 53 =
10 snowflakes
✔ Answer: 10 snowflakes are left.
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D. Mom decorated 27 cupcakes last night and 48 today. Our family ate 9 of them. How many cupcakes do we have left?
Step 1: Total cupcakes made:
- Last night: 27
- Today: 48
- Total = 27 + 48 =
75 cupcakes
Step 2: Subtract eaten cupcakes.
- Eaten: 9
- Left = 75 - 9 =
66 cupcakes
✔ Answer: 66 cupcakes are left.
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E. We have 71 lights on our tree. 19 of them do not work. Then 5 more stopped working. How many lights light up on our tree?
Step 1: Start with total lights: 71
Step 2: Lights that don’t work:
- Initially not working: 19
- Then 5 more failed → total not working = 19 + 5 =
24
Step 3: Working lights = Total - Not working
- 71 - 24 =
47 lights
✔ Answer: 47 lights light up on the tree.
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F. We collected 10 cans for the food drive on Monday and 46 cans on Friday. Our sack had a hole in it and we lost 7 cans. How many cans do we have left?
Step 1: Total cans collected:
- Monday: 10
- Friday: 46
- Total = 10 + 46 =
56 cans
Step 2: Subtract lost cans.
- Lost: 7
- Left = 56 - 7 =
49 cans
✔ Answer: 49 cans are left.
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✔ Final Answers:
| Problem | Answer |
|--------|--------|
| A | 135 toys |
| B | 8 bows |
| C | 10 snowflakes |
| D | 66 cupcakes |
| E | 47 lights |
| F | 49 cans |
Each problem required
two steps:
1. Combine or add quantities (e.g., total made).
2. Subtract what was lost, used, or broken.
These are classic two-step word problems involving addition and subtraction in real-life contexts. Great practice for building math reasoning! 🎄🎁
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of two step math word problems worksheet.