Solving Multi-Step Real-Life Problems
Aligned to 7.EE.B.3 — Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
What this lesson teaches
Break a multi-step problem into ordered steps, keeping careful track of signs and units. After computing, check whether the answer is reasonable for the situation.
Worked examples
Example 1
A phone plan costs $30 plus $0.10 per text. With 150 texts: 30 + 0.10 × 150 = 30 + 15 = $45. That is a reasonable monthly bill.
Example 2
A gym charges $25 to join plus $12 a month. How many months on a $145 budget? 25 + 12m = 145 → 12m = 120 → m = 10 months.
Example 3
Estimate to sanity-check: about $25 plus a bit over $10 a month for 10 months is roughly $145, so the answer is in the right range.
Practice questions
- A taxi charges $3.50 plus $2 per mile. Find the cost of a 7.5-mile ride.
- You save $12.50 a week for 6 weeks, then spend $28. How much is left?
- A recipe for 4 servings needs 2 1/2 cups of flour. How much flour is needed for 10 servings?
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Resolver Problemas de Varios Pasos
Divide un problema de varios pasos en pasos ordenados, cuidando los signos y las unidades. Al terminar, revisa si el resultado es razonable para la situación.
Ejemplo 1: Un plan de celular cuesta $30 más $0.10 por mensaje. Con 150 mensajes: 30 + 0.10 × 150 = 30 + 15 = $45. Es un recibo mensual razonable.
Ejemplo 2: Un gimnasio cobra $25 de inscripción más $12 al mes. ¿Cuántos meses con un presupuesto de $145? 25 + 12m = 145 → 12m = 120 → m = 10 meses.
Ejemplo 3: Estima para revisar: unos $25 más un poco más de $10 al mes durante 10 meses es más o menos $145, así que la respuesta está en el rango correcto.
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