Word problem help

Question

How do you solve word problems efficiently?

Answer 1

Solving word problems can often seem daunting. One thing I do that helps is to read the problem more than once. First read it just to get the gist. The second time you read it, start looking for "clues". Word problems often include language that helps clue us in on what steps to take. Some key words for addition are "altogether", "sum", and "more". A few keywords for subtraction are "minus", "how many more", and "fewer". Multiplication has key words such as "times, "of", and "product". Division has key words such as "equal parts" and "out of". We should underline or circle any of these, or other, that we see as we read through the second time in addition to circling or underlining numbers. We can then start constructing a number sentence to solve the problem using our clues to help us add, subtract, multiply or divide.

Example:

Sarah had 5 grapes left and her sister has 15. How many do they have altogether?

When reading a second time, we note the numbers and also that it says "altogether". This indicates that we add.

5 + 15 = amount all together

Answer 2

Highlight the question. Then go back through and highlight important words and numbers to help you solve the problem! Some words and numbers are meant to lead you to answer incorrectly.

Answer 3

The best way to solve word problems efficiently in my opinion would be to read through it slowly one time and circle every time you see a number so you know what numbers you are working with. Then go back and determine what numbers are useful to your overall goal.