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Multi-Step Word Problems - Subtraction
3 4 5 6 Pre & Primary Essentials Resources Presentations Mathematics Number & Place Value 41 Pages

Multi-Step Word Problems - Subtraction

This PowerPoint contains 20 real-world subtraction-based word problems presented in multi-step format to develop students’ reasoning, problem-solving, and fluency with subtraction. Each question builds gradually in complexity across three related prompts, with answers provided after each problem. Suitable for classroom modelling, group problem-solving, or individual practice.

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Learning goals

  • We are learning to multiply and divide one- and two-digit numbers in word problems using a variety of strategies.
  • We are learning to estimate the quantity of objects in collections and when solving problems.
  • We are learning to count in fractions on a number line, represent and locate fractions on number lines and convert mixed numerals into improper fractions and vice versa.
  • We are learning to use a range of strategies to solve addition, subtraction, multiplication and division where there is no remainder.
  • We are learning to recognise that 100% represents a whole and use percentages to describe, represent and compare relative percentages visually, e.g. shading a hundreds grid and connect percentages to their decimal and fraction equivalents.
  • We are learning to solve problems involving multiplication of large numbers by 1- or 2-digit numbers using efficient mental or written strategies and appropriate digital technologies, e.g. arrays.
  • We are learning to apply knowledge of place value to add and subtract decimals and to use estimation and rounding to check the reasonableness of our answers.
  • We are learning to multiply and divide decimals by multiples of powers of 10 using our knowledge of place value and multiplication facts (times tables), to estimate and check answers.
  • We are learning to recall multiplication facts of two, three, five and ten and related division facts.
  • We are learning to use estimation and rounding to check the reasonableness of answers to calculations.
  • We are learning to count by quarters, halves and thirds, and convert fractions and locate and show fractions on a number line.
  • We are learning to use a range of strategies to solve multiplication and division where there is no remainder.
  • We are learning to solve word problems by using number sentences involving multiplication or division where there is no remainder.
  • We are learning to make connections between equivalent fractions, decimals and percentages.
  • We are learning to solve problems involving multiplication of large numbers by one or two-digit numbers using efficient mental or written strategies and appropriate digital technologies, e.g. area model, arrays and Italian Lattice Method.
  • We are learning to add and subtract decimals and use estimation and rounding to check answers.
  • We are learning to multiply and divide decimals by powers of 10.
  • We are learning to multiply and divide decimals by whole numbers where the results are terminating decimals.

Curriculum alignment

AC9M3N05 9 Estimate the quantity of objects in collections and make estimates when solving problems to determine the reasonableness of calculations AC9M3N04 9 Multiply and divide one- and two-digit numbers, representing problems using number sentences, diagrams and arrays, and using a variety of calculation strategies AC9M4N04 9 Count by fractions including mixed numerals; locate and represent these fractions as numbers on number lines AC9M4N06 9 Develop efficient strategies and use appropriate digital tools for solving problems involving addition and subtraction, and multiplication and division where there is no remainder AC9M5N04 9 Recognise that 100% represents the complete whole and use percentages to describe, represent and compare relative size; connect familiar percentages to their decimal and fraction equivalents AC9M5N06 9 Solve problems involving multiplication of larger numbers by one- or two-digit numbers, choosing efficient calculation strategies and using digital tools where appropriate; check the reasonableness of answers AC9M6N04 9 Apply knowledge of place value to add and subtract decimals, using digital tools where appropriate; use estimation and rounding to check the reasonableness of answers AC9M6N06 9 Multiply and divide decimals by multiples of powers of 10 without a calculator, applying knowledge of place value and proficiency with multiplication facts; using estimation and rounding to check the reasonableness of answers ACMNA129 8.4 Multiply decimals by whole numbers and perform divisions by non-zero whole numbers where the results are terminating decimals, with and without digital technologies ACMNA130 8.4 Multiply and divide decimals by powers of 10 ACMNA128 8.4 Add and subtract decimals, with and without digital technologies, and use estimation and rounding to check the reasonableness of answers ACMNA100 8.4 Solve problems involving multiplication of large numbers by one- or two-digit numbers using efficient mental, written strategies and appropriate digital technologies ACMNA056 8.4 Recall multiplication facts of two, three, five and ten and related division facts ACMNA099 8.4 Use estimation and rounding to check the reasonableness of answers to calculations ACMNA131 8.4 Make connections between equivalent fractions, decimals and percentages ACMNA082 8.4 Solve word problems by using number sentences involving multiplication or division where there is no remainder ACMNA076 8.4 Develop efficient mental and written strategies and use appropriate digital technologies for multiplication and for division where there is no remainder ACMNA078 8.4 Count by quarters halves and thirds, including with mixed numerals. Locate and represent these fractions on a number line
MA3-3WM old Gives a valid reason for supporting one possible solution over another MA2-8NA old Generalises properties of odd and even numbers, generates number patterns, and completes simple number sentences by calculating missing values MA3-7NA old Compares, orders and calculates with fractions, decimals and percentages MA3-1WM old Describes and represents mathematical situations in a variety of ways using mathematical terminology and some conventions MA3-2WM old Selects and applies appropriate problem- solving strategies, including the use of digital technologies, in undertaking investigations MA2-6NA old Uses mental and informal written strategies for multiplication and division MA2-3WM old Checks the accuracy of a statement and explains the reasoning used MA2-2WM old Selects and uses appropriate mental or written strategies, or technology, to solve problems MA2-1WM old Uses appropriate terminology to describe, and symbols to represent, mathematical ideas MA3-5NA old Selects and applies appropriate strategies for addition and subtraction with counting numbers of any size MA2-7NA old Represents, models and compares commonly used fractions and decimals MA3-6NA old Selects and applies appropriate strategies for multiplication and division, and applies the order of operations to calculations involving more than one operation MA2-RN-01 new Applies an understanding of place value and the role of zero to represent numbers to at least tens of thousands MA2-AR-01 new Selects and uses mental and written strategies for addition and subtraction involving 2- and 3-digit numbers MA2-AR-02 new Completes number sentences involving addition and subtraction by finding missing values MA2-PF-01 new Represents and compares halves, quarters, thirds and fifths as lengths on a number line and their related fractions formed by halving (eighths, sixths and tenths) MA2-MR-02 new Completes number sentences involving multiplication and division by finding missing values MA2-MR-01 new Represents and uses the structure of multiplicative relations to 10 × 10 to solve problems MA2-RN-02 new Represents and compares decimals up to 2 decimal places using place value MA3-RN-01 new Applies an understanding of place value and the role of zero to represent the properties of numbers MA3-RN-02 new Compares and orders decimals up to 3 decimal places MA3-RN-03 new Determines percentages of quantities, and finds equivalent fractions and decimals for benchmark percentage values MA3-MR-01 new Selects and applies appropriate strategies to solve multiplication and division problems MA3-MR-02 new Constructs and completes number sentences involving multiplicative relations, applying the order of operations to calculations MA3-RQF-01 new Compares and orders fractions with denominators of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 MA3-RQF-02 new Determines 1/2, 1/4, 1/5 and 1/10 of measures and quantities MA3-AR-01 new Selects and applies appropriate strategies to solve addition and subtraction problems
VCMNA134 Recall multiplication facts of two, three, five and ten and related division facts VCMNA217 Make connections between equivalent fractions, decimals and percentages VCMNA182 Use estimation and rounding to check the reasonableness of answers to calculations VCMNA183 Solve problems involving multiplication of large numbers by one- or two-digit numbers using efficient mental, written strategies and appropriate digital technologies VCMNA162 Solve word problems by using number sentences involving multiplication or division where there is no remainder VCMNA156 Develop efficient mental and written strategies and use appropriate digital technologies for multiplication and for division where there is no remainder VCMNA214 Add and subtract decimals, with and without digital technologies, and use estimation and rounding to check the reasonableness of answers VCMNA216 Multiply and divide decimals by powers of 10 VCMNA215 Multiply decimals by whole numbers and perform divisions by non-zero whole numbers where the results are terminating decimals, with and without digital technologies VCMNA158 Count by quarters, halves and thirds, including with mixed numerals. Locate and represent these fractions on a number line

Australian Curriculum covers QLD / SA / WA / NT / TAS / ACT.

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