Word Problems and Mental Strategies

Solving Word Problems Step by Step#

Word problems are stories with numbers hidden inside. Your job is to read the story carefully, find the numbers, figure out what to do with them, and solve the problem. Let us learn a reliable strategy for solving any word problem!

The 4-Step Problem-Solving Strategy#

Step 1: UNDERSTAND the problem. Read the problem all the way through. Read it again if needed. Ask yourself: "What is this problem about? What do I need to find out?"

Step 2: PLAN your strategy. Decide what operation to use — addition or subtraction? Look for key words:

Step 3: SOLVE the problem. Write a number sentence. Do the math carefully.

Step 4: CHECK your answer. Dös the answer make sense? Is it a reasonable number? Use the inverse operation to check.

Practice Problem#

"There are 45 birds in a tree. 17 birds fly away. How many birds are left?"

1. Understand: I need to find how many birds are left.
2. Plan: "Fly away" and "left" → subtraction.
3. Solve: 45 − 17 = 28 birds.
4. Check: 28 + 17 = 45 ✓

Answer: 28 birds are left.

Tips for Success#

• Underline the question at the end of the problem.
• Circle the important numbers.
• Cross out any information that is extra and not needed.
• Label your answer with the right unit (birds, apples, books, etc.).

Word problems are just math in disguise — once you decode the story, the math is something you already know how to do!