Multi-Step Systems
📋 What it is
Hard problems combine several steps and unknowns — break them into smaller parts and solve one at a time.
🗣️ Coach says
Big problems aren’t harder — they’re just LONGER. A multi-step problem is several small problems in a row. Solve one unknown, use it to find the next, and chain forward. Break it down and no single step is hard.
🧠 Memory hook
A big problem = several small ones chained. Solve one part, feed it into the next.
😂 Giggle
Why did the compensation trick feel so fair?
Because whatever you add, you take right back!
😲 Whoa!
This “break it into steps” idea is exactly how computer programs work — a huge task is just many tiny, simple steps run in order.
✅ Quick check: A 3-step word problem feels overwhelming. What’s the pro move?
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
Break it into the 3 separate steps and solve one at a time, feeding each answer into the next — none is hard alone.
Decomposing a multi-step problem makes each part manageable.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Take a 2-step problem (“buy 3 at $4, pay with $20, how much change?”) and solve it one step at a time.
🔎 How did you work this?