Maxima will automatically simplify expressions when simplification is switched on.
Switch simplification off so that you can pre-calculate the question and any workings. Declare this option in the Question variables:
simp:false;
Simplification can be switched on an off in expressions:
(%i1) simp:false;
(%o1) false
(%i2) ev(2*x);
2
(%o2) x x
(%i3) ev(2*x,simp:true);
3
(%o3) x
NB: the lines %i are input lines. Those with %o are output from maxima
Maxima cannot display intermediate steps for worked answers. It can be made to calculate those steps, if you’re willing to write them. This is much easier when simplification is switched off.