Solving word problems
A word problem is a maths story. Read it slowly and turn the story into a number sentence using +, −, × or ÷.
Key idea
Use 4 steps: 1) Understand what is asked, 2) Plan which operation, 3) Solve it, 4) Check the answer makes sense.
Choosing the operation
- Put together / more → add
- Take away / left / difference → subtract
- Equal groups → multiply
- Share equally → divide
Worked example
A shop had 500 apples and sold 275. How many are left?
Plan: "left" means subtract.
Solve: 500 − 275 = 225 apples.
Check: 225 + 275 = 500. Correct!
Two-step problems
Some stories need two steps. Solve the first part, then use that answer in the second part. For example, buy 3 packets of 12 pencils, then add 8 more: first 3 × 12 = 36, then 36 + 8 = 44 pencils. Estimating first also helps: 3 × 12 is about 30, so 44 sounds sensible.
Remember
- Read the whole question first.
- Match the words to the right operation.
- Always check your answer.