OPERATIONS

Multi Step Arithmetic

Learn the reliable method for multi step arithmetic, then apply it to 11+ exam-style questions.

1 · WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The idea

A multi-step problem must be broken into connected calculations in a sensible order.

Picture itPlan, solve, then check
2 · THE METHOD

Follow these steps

  1. Identify the final quantity required.
  2. Write the intermediate quantities needed to reach it.
  3. Calculate one stage at a time, keeping units and checking the final result.
3 · WORKED EXAMPLES

See the method in action

Example 1

4 notebooks cost £2.00 each and 3 pens cost £0.75 each. They are paid for with £30. How much change is given?

  1. The notebooks cost £8.00 and the pens cost £2.25, a total of £10.25.
  2. The change is £30.00 − £10.25 = £19.75.
Answer: £19.75
Example 2

A club opens 4 packs of 23 badges. It keeps 12 badges for display and shares the rest equally among 2 teams. How many badges does each team receive?

  1. There are 92 badges.
  2. After keeping 12, 80 remain.
  3. 80 ÷ 2 = 40 per team.
Answer: 40
4 · ELEVENSPRINT TIP

A useful shortcut

Calculate one stage at a time, keeping units and checking the final result.

5 · COMMON MISTAKES

Watch out for these

6 · TRY IT YOURSELF

Three fresh questions

Ready to check the method? You will get three fresh, validated questions.