Multi-Step Word Problems
Help Questions
ISEE Lower Level: Quantitative Reasoning › Multi-Step Word Problems
If you need 36 plates total and have 14, how many more are needed?
18
22
24
50
Explanation
This question tests lower-level ISEE quantitative reasoning skills, specifically solving multi-step problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Multi-step word problems require understanding the problem context, identifying relevant numbers, and choosing the correct operations. In this specific scenario, students must calculate how many more plates are needed by subtracting what they have (14) from what they need (36). The correct answer works because it accurately calculates 36 - 14 = 22 using subtraction to find the difference. A common distractor fails because it results from subtracting in the wrong order (14 - 36) or adding instead of subtracting (36 + 14 = 50, choice A). To help students, teach them to break down problems into smaller parts—identify the total needed and what's already available. Practice setting up subtraction problems correctly (larger number - smaller number) and using estimation to check if answers are reasonable.
If you need 60 balloons total and have 24, how many more are needed?
30
36
40
84
Explanation
This question tests lower-level ISEE quantitative reasoning skills, specifically solving multi-step problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Multi-step word problems require understanding the problem context, identifying relevant numbers, and choosing the correct operations. In this specific scenario, students must calculate how many more balloons are needed by subtracting what they have (24) from what they need (60). The correct answer works because it accurately calculates 60 - 24 = 36 using subtraction to find the difference. A common distractor fails because it results from adding instead of subtracting (60 + 24 = 84, choice A) or making computational errors. To help students, teach them to break down problems into smaller parts—identify that "how many more" always signals subtraction. Practice translating word phrases into operations and use estimation to check answers (60 - 24 should be close to 60 - 20 = 40).
If you need 48 cupcakes and have 18, how many more are needed?
20
30
36
66
Explanation
This question tests lower-level ISEE quantitative reasoning skills, specifically solving multi-step problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Multi-step word problems require understanding the problem context, identifying relevant numbers, and choosing the correct operations. In this specific scenario, students must calculate how many more cupcakes are needed by subtracting what they have (18) from what they need (48). The correct answer works because it accurately calculates 48 - 18 = 30 using subtraction to find the difference. A common distractor fails because it results from adding the numbers (48 + 18 = 66, choice B) instead of subtracting. To help students, teach them to break down problems into smaller parts—identify that "how many more" signals subtraction. Practice translating word problem phrases into mathematical operations, emphasizing that "more needed" means finding the difference between what's required and what's available.
How many packs of markers are needed for 30 students if each pack has 5?
35 packs
6 packs
25 packs
5 packs
Explanation
This question tests lower-level ISEE quantitative reasoning skills, specifically solving multi-step problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Multi-step word problems require understanding the problem context, identifying relevant numbers, and choosing the correct operations. In this specific scenario, students must calculate how many packs of markers are needed for 30 students when each pack contains 5 markers, assuming each student needs one marker. The correct answer works because it accurately calculates 30 ÷ 5 = 6 using division to find the number of packs needed. A common distractor fails because it results from subtracting instead of dividing (30 - 5 = 25, choice B) or confusing the operation entirely. To help students, teach them to break down problems into smaller parts—recognize that "packs of" problems typically involve division. Practice identifying when to divide the total by the group size, and verify answers by multiplying back (6 packs × 5 markers = 30 markers).
Jada had 70 dollars, bought 2 puzzle sets at 18 dollars each and 4 stickers at 3 dollars each. How much money was left?
$10
$22
$34
$58
Explanation
This question tests lower-level ISEE quantitative reasoning skills, specifically solving multi-step problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Multi-step word problems require understanding the problem context, identifying relevant numbers, and choosing the correct operations. In this specific scenario, students must calculate the money left after buying puzzle sets and stickers, ensuring all steps are followed in logical sequence. The correct answer works because it accurately calculates 2 times 18 plus 4 times 3 as 48, then subtracts from 70 to get 22 using multiplication, addition, and subtraction. A common distractor fails because it results from miscalculating the sticker cost. To help students, teach them to break down problems into smaller parts—identify operations required for each step. Practice multi-step operations in different contexts, emphasizing order of operations and checking each step for accuracy. Encourage estimation as a check, not as a final answer.
A classroom needed 72 markers; markers came in packs of 8, and 3 packs were already there. How many more packs were needed?
3
6
9
12
Explanation
This question tests lower-level ISEE quantitative reasoning skills, specifically solving multi-step problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Multi-step word problems require understanding the problem context, identifying relevant numbers, and choosing the correct operations. In this specific scenario, students must calculate the additional packs of markers needed, ensuring all steps are followed in logical sequence. The correct answer works because it accurately calculates 72 divided by 8 as 9 packs total, then subtracts 3 to get 6 more using division and subtraction. A common distractor fails because it results from subtracting before dividing. To help students, teach them to break down problems into smaller parts—identify operations required for each step. Practice multi-step operations in different contexts, emphasizing order of operations and checking each step for accuracy. Encourage estimation as a check, not as a final answer.
Sofia had 100 dollars, bought 3 art kits at 24 dollars each and a 13-dollar sketchbook. How much money was left?
$15
$24
$28
$87
Explanation
This question tests lower-level ISEE quantitative reasoning skills, specifically solving multi-step problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Multi-step word problems require understanding the problem context, identifying relevant numbers, and choosing the correct operations. In this specific scenario, students must calculate the money left after buying art kits and a sketchbook, ensuring all steps are followed in logical sequence. The correct answer works because it accurately calculates 3 times 24 plus 13 as 85, then subtracts from 100 to get 15 using multiplication, addition, and subtraction. A common distractor fails because it results from miscalculating the kit total. To help students, teach them to break down problems into smaller parts—identify operations required for each step. Practice multi-step operations in different contexts, emphasizing order of operations and checking each step for accuracy. Encourage estimation as a check, not as a final answer.
For a party, 18 guests each got 2 slices of pizza; each pizza had 6 slices. How many pizzas were needed?
3
6
9
12
Explanation
This question tests lower-level ISEE quantitative reasoning skills, specifically solving multi-step problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Multi-step word problems require understanding the problem context, identifying relevant numbers, and choosing the correct operations. In this specific scenario, students must calculate the number of pizzas needed for guests, ensuring all steps are followed in logical sequence. The correct answer works because it accurately calculates 18 times 2 as 36 slices, then divides by 6 to get 6 pizzas using multiplication and division. A common distractor fails because it results from dividing guests by slices per pizza without multiplying by slices per guest. To help students, teach them to break down problems into smaller parts—identify operations required for each step. Practice multi-step operations in different contexts, emphasizing order of operations and checking each step for accuracy. Encourage estimation as a check, not as a final answer.