Multi-step word problems (bar model)
Name: _____________________ Date: __________
Show your thinking with numbers, words, or a drawing.
1. A school orders 444 pencils. Year 3 uses 105 pencils and Year 4 uses 176 pencils. How many pencils are left?
2. A theatre has 532 seats. 173 seats are sold on Friday and 152 seats on Saturday. How many seats are still unsold?
3. A library has 574 books on a shelf. 125 books are borrowed on Monday and 339 books on Tuesday. How many books are still on the shelf?
4. A theatre has 333 seats. 142 seats are sold on Friday and 128 seats on Saturday. How many seats are still unsold?
5. A theatre has 157 seats. 38 seats are sold on Friday and 91 seats on Saturday. How many seats are still unsold?
Answer key · Multi-step word problems (bar model)
1. 163
Bar model: the whole bar is 444. The parts that went are 105 and 176; the unknown part is what is left.
Parts that went: 105 + 176 = 281.
Unknown part: 444 − 281 = 163.
2. 207
Bar model: the whole bar is 532. The parts that went are 173 and 152; the unknown part is what is left.
Parts that went: 173 + 152 = 325.
Unknown part: 532 − 325 = 207.
3. 110
Bar model: the whole bar is 574. The parts that went are 125 and 339; the unknown part is what is left.
Parts that went: 125 + 339 = 464.
Unknown part: 574 − 464 = 110.
4. 63
Bar model: the whole bar is 333. The parts that went are 142 and 128; the unknown part is what is left.
Parts that went: 142 + 128 = 270.
Unknown part: 333 − 270 = 63.
5. 28
Bar model: the whole bar is 157. The parts that went are 38 and 91; the unknown part is what is left.
Parts that went: 38 + 91 = 129.
Unknown part: 157 − 129 = 28.
Try it together
Choose a question from the printable. Use objects or a drawing to show your thinking, then explain your method to someone at home.