Word problems are mathematical exercises presented in everyday language that require you to identify the correct operation and solve using numbers.
Word problems tell a story with numbers. Your job is to figure out what the problem is asking and which mathematical operation will help you find the answer.
Each word problem contains clues that help you determine whether to add, subtract, multiply, or divide.
Look for these key words and phrases to help you decide which operation to use. Sometimes problems require multiple steps with different operations.
Addition combines quantities, while subtraction finds the difference between quantities or takes away from a total.
When subtracting, make sure you align numbers properly by place value. Always check your work by adding your answer to the smaller number to see if you get the larger number.
Multiplication finds the total when you have equal groups, while division splits a total into equal parts or finds how many are in each group.
In division word problems, pay attention to whether there might be a remainder. Sometimes remainders mean you need to round up your answer.
Multi-step problems require you to perform more than one operation to find the final answer.
Read multi-step problems carefully. Identify what you need to find first before you can solve for the final answer. Underlining or circling important information can help.
Using a consistent strategy helps you solve word problems accurately.
Always ask yourself: "Does my answer make sense in the context of the problem?" If you have 150 students but only 3 classrooms, you might want to check your work!