Solving Word Problems
A word problem is a math problem written out as a short story or scenario. Basically, it describes a realistic problem and asks you to imagine how you would solve it using math.
First step in solving word problems is to read the question carefully and determine what the question is asking you to solve. Identify the variable.
Second look for important numbers or words that can be used to create a math equation
Look for key terms within the word problem
Set up the equation and solve
When reading word problems look for the following terms or key words to determine how to setup you math equation.
Addition: increased by, more than, combined together, total of, sum, plus, added to, comparatives ("greater than", etc)
Subtraction: decreased by, minus, less, difference between/of, less than, fewer than, left, left over, after, save (old-fashioned term), comparatives ("smaller than", etc)
Multiplication: of, times, multiplied by, product of, increased/decreased by a factor of (this last type can involve both addition or subtraction and multiplication!), twice, triple, etc, each ("they got three each", etc)
Division: per, out of, ratio of, quotient of, percent (divide by 100), equal pieces, split, and average
Equals is, are, was, were, will be, gives, yields, sold for, and cost
Worksheets to assist with learning word Problems
Worksheets to understand word problems along with additional math worksheets on various mathematical topics
Help on word problems
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UltimateAlgebra video playlist
Video lessons in math
English to Math Translation for Word Problems
help with translating word problems to equations
How to solve Algebra Word Problems?
Assistance with solving word problems