How to Do Basic Math Word Problems
Many students dread math word problems so much that even the most basic ones make them anxious. The key to solving math word problems is to have a strategy you can use every time, no matter how basic or difficult the word problem appears.
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Instructions
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Read the entire word problem carefully. Read the problem more than once to verify that you understand both the language used and the scenario the problem describes.
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Highlight keywords. Specific words in the problem help you decide whether to add, subtract, multiply or divide. For example, words such as "difference" and "change" indicate a subtraction problem, while words such as "altogether" or "total" addition is necessary. Keep in mind that a combination of words means to use a different operation. For example, a problem that includes the terms "each" and "total" might indicate multiplication.
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Determine the final question. Underline the sentence or sentences in the problem which indicate what question the problem is asking you to solve. Re-write this question in a language with which you are comfortable and familiar.
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Eliminate extraneous information. Sometimes word problems contain extra numbers or words that should not be included in the problem solving process. Cross out any information that is not relevant to answering the final question.
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Make a plan. Write out in words the process you will use for solving the problem. For example, "Multiply the total number of eggs in one dozen by the number of dozens purchased for the bakery." This step helps verify that you are truly answering the question being asked in the problem.
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Execute the plan. Enter the necessary numbers into your written plan to replace the words, then do the math.
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Verify the result answers the question. Write a sentence describing your result. For example, if the question asks, "How many eggs total are in three cartons of one dozen each?" then your answer should be "There are 36 eggs in three cartons of one dozen each."
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References
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