Chapter 4

Problem Solving

Use 4 easy steps to solve money word problems about buying, sharing and saving.

Solving money word problems

Word problems tell a little story about money. Use 4 steps to solve them.

Key idea

1 Understand — what is given, what is asked? 2 Plan — add, subtract, multiply or divide? 3 Solve — do the sum. 4 Check — does the answer make sense?

Worked example

Worked example

Ahmad has RM20.00. He buys a bag for RM12.50. How much change does he get?
Plan: change = money − price. Solve: RM20.00 − RM12.50 = RM7.50. Check: RM12.50 + RM7.50 = RM20.00. ✓
Answer: RM7.50.

Choosing the operation

Buying many of one thing → multiply. Sharing equally → divide. Getting more → add. Spending or change → subtract.

Remember

  • Read carefully and find the numbers.
  • Pick the right operation.
  • Always check your answer.

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