A word problem is a math question written as a short story or situation. To solve it, you must decide which operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division) to use and find the answer.
The first step is always to read the problem carefully. Look for keywords and numbers, and decide what the question is asking you to find.
Certain words can help you determine which mathematical operation to use. These are clues within the story.
Words are helpful clues, but you must always think about the whole situation. For example, "how many more" usually means to subtract, but you must check which numbers you are comparing.
Follow a clear plan to organize your thinking and find the correct solution.
Drawing a simple picture or diagram is often the best way to understand what is happening in the problem, especially for multiplication and division.
Word problems can describe different real-world situations. Recognizing the situation helps you choose the right operation.
In division problems, pay close attention to what the "whole" amount is and how many equal groups it is being split into.
An answer is reasonable if it makes sense based on the information in the problem. Estimating can help you check.
Always ask yourself: "Is this answer too big or too small for the story?" If you subtracted and got a larger number, or multiplied and got a smaller number, re-check your plan.