Four steps for money word problems
Word problems tell a short story about money, like shopping, sharing a bill or saving up. The numbers are hidden in the words, so we read carefully and use these four steps every time:
Key idea
1) Understand — what is given and what to find.
2) Plan — choose + − × ÷.
3) Solve — do the working.
4) Check — is the answer sensible?
A worked word problem
Mother has RM50. She buys fish for RM18 and rice for RM12. How much change does she get?
Worked example
Understand: has RM50, spends on fish and rice, find the change.
Plan: add the costs, then subtract from RM50.
Solve: RM18 + RM12 = RM30, then RM50 − RM30 = RM20.
Check: RM30 + RM20 = RM50. Correct!
Remember
- Share equally means divide.
- 'Change' means subtract the cost from the money paid.
- 'How much for each' or 'per item' often means divide.
- Always check your answer at the end to be sure it is sensible.