Learn the 4-Step Method
1Read the problem twice.
What is the question actually asking? Underline the numbers and the goal.
2Plan the steps.
Most problems take two steps: often an add THEN a subtract.
3Calculate carefully.
Line up decimal points; treat money as two decimal places.
4Check it makes sense.
£2.95 change from £5 after spending about £2 — sensible ✓
Worked Example
A relay team runs 2.4 km, 1.35 km and 1.85 km. How far is that in total — and how much short of 6 km are they?
1.35
+1.85
Watch Out! Common Mistakes
Careful! The problem asked for the change, not the total cost. Always re-read the question before writing the answer.
Wrong! Write money with two decimal places: £5.00 − £2.05 = £2.95.
Impossible! Three short runs can’t make 56 km. An estimate (≈ 2 + 1 + 2 = 5) catches this instantly.
⬇ Cheat Sheet
- Read twice; underline numbers and the actual question.
- Plan the steps before calculating.
- Write money with two decimal places.
- Estimate first; check the answer is sensible.
📖 Continue Your Journey
Quick summary
- Read the problem twice and underline what's actually asked.
- Plan the steps — most problems are an add followed by a subtract.
- Write money with two decimal places: £5 means £5.00.
- Estimate first and sense-check the answer at the end.
Frequently asked questions
How should children approach decimal word problems?
With a routine: read the question twice, plan the steps, calculate with decimal points lined up, then check the answer against an estimate.
What's the most common mistake in money problems?
Misaligning place value — treating £5 as 5.0 pence or forgetting money has two decimal places. Writing every amount with two decimal places prevents it.
How do these problems appear in the 11+?
Usually as two-step problems: find a total then find change, or add lengths then compare with a target — exactly the patterns practised in this lesson.
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