Basic Math Word Problems
You encounter and solve basic math word problems on a daily basis without thinking about it. Knowing how to tackle and solve word problems is an important skill in school. These problems can ask you to add, subtract, multiply, divide or do a combination of these in a real situation.
The hard part could be to decide which numbers to use and which operation(s) to choose. In each worked example, find the question, the numbers you need and the clue words, then work through the steps one at a time.
In this lesson, you will learn
- Four steps you can use to solve any word problem
- How to find the numbers you need and leave out extra numbers
- How clue words help you choose the operation, and when they can trick you
- How to solve one-step and two-step word problems, including remainders and money
Four Steps for Any Word Problem
- Find the question. What exactly are you asked to find?
- Find the numbers you need. Some problems have extra numbers you don't need.
- Choose the operation. Clue words help, but always think about what is happening.
- Calculate, then answer the question. Check that your answer makes sense.
- Addin all, total, altogether, together, combined
- Subtracthow many more, how much taller, left, change, difference
- Multiplyeach (equal groups), times as many, per, every
- Dividesplit equally, share, each (one share), how many groups
Trusting one clue word. The same word can point to different operations: "each" can mean multiply or divide, and "left" can even mean add. Learn the traps in key words in math word problems.
A bakery has been open for 3 years. It bakes 12 muffins every hour for 6 hours. How many muffins does it bake? Which numbers do you need?
Show answer
12 and 6. The 3 years doesn't help answer the question. There are 6 equal groups of 12, so 6 × 12 = 72 muffins.
Worked Examples: 8 Basic Math Word Problems
Pick a problem. Press Next step to see how to find the question, the numbers you need and the clue words, then solve it one step at a time.
Interactive Practice: Solve Basic Math Word Problems
In Practice mode, you solve one step at a time and get hints when you need them. In Quiz mode, you answer 5 problems on your own, with scratch paper. Each time you play you get new numbers.
Common Mistakes in Basic Math Word Problems
- Using every number in the problem.The beekeeper has kept bees for 9 years, but that doesn't help you find the pounds of honey. Ask which numbers answer the question.
- Subtracting or dividing in the wrong order.Order doesn't matter for adding and multiplying, but it does for these two: 518 − 183, not 183 − 518, and 4.5 ÷ 0.75, not 0.75 ÷ 4.5.
- Trusting one clue word."Each" can mean multiply (3 notebooks at $2.45 each) or divide ($63.75 split equally, how much does each friend pay?). Picture what is happening.
- Ignoring the remainder.152 students need 5 buses, not 4, so you round up. But 500 eggs fill only 41 full cartons, so you round down.
- Stopping too soon.In a two-step problem, the first result is not the answer. $7.35 is what Mia's notebooks cost, not her change.
- Mixing units.3,600 meters is 3.6 kilometers, and 120 minutes is 2 hours. Give the answer in the unit the question asks for.
A bus holds 40 students. 130 students go on a trip. How many buses are needed?
Show answer
4 buses. 130 ÷ 40 = 3 R 10. Three buses hold only 120 students, so the 10 students left over need a 4th bus. Round up.
Learn to Tackle Some Important Pre-Algebra Word Problems
As you try to understand the basic math word problems presented here, you will become more aware of these problems and sharpen your basic math skills at the same time. In the end, you should feel comfortable solving most word problems that use basic math as a skill!
Try to follow this unit in the order given here so you can get the most benefit. However, it is not necessary to follow this order to understand any of the lessons.
General Problem Solving
Key Words in Math Word Problems
Learn the clue words for each operation, the keyword traps that trick students, and a method that works without them.
Math Problem Solving Strategies
Learn effective approaches to tackle various math problems, improving your overall problem-solving skills.
Whole Number Word Problems
Addition Word Problems
Practice applying addition in real-world scenarios to strengthen your problem-solving abilities.
Subtraction Word Problems
Enhance your subtraction skills by working through practical, everyday situations.
Multiplication Word Problems
Develop a deeper understanding of multiplication by solving problems in context.
Division Word Problems
Improve your division skills with problems that relate to real-life situations.
Comparison Word Problems
Learn to analyze and solve problems involving comparisons between quantities.
Place Value Word Problems
Strengthen your understanding of place value through practical problem-solving.
Venn Diagram Word Problems
Explore how Venn diagrams can be used to solve problems involving sets and relationships.
Average Word Problems
Practice calculating and interpreting averages in various real-world contexts.
Fraction Word Problems
General Fraction Word Problems
Improve your overall understanding of fractions through diverse problem-solving scenarios.
Adding Fractions Word Problems
Practice adding fractions in practical contexts to reinforce your skills.
Subtracting Fractions Word Problems
Enhance your ability to subtract fractions by solving real-world problems.
Multiplying Fractions Word Problems
Develop a deeper understanding of fraction multiplication through practical applications.
Dividing Fractions Word Problems
Strengthen your skills in dividing fractions with problems set in everyday situations.
Ratio and Proportion Word Problems
Proportion Word Problems
Learn to solve problems involving proportions, a crucial skill in many real-world applications.
Ratio Word Problems
Practice using ratios to solve problems, enhancing your understanding of relative quantities.
Percentage Word Problems
Percentage Word Problems
Improve your skills in calculating and interpreting percentages in various scenarios.
Calculating Percent Error
Learn how to determine and interpret percent error, an important concept in many fields.
Conversions
Convert Square Feet to Acres
Practice converting between different units of area, a useful skill in various practical situations.
Summary
- Use four steps for any word problem: find the question, find the numbers you need, choose the operation, then calculate and answer the question.
- Some problems give extra numbers. Use only the numbers that answer the question.
- Clue words help you choose the operation, but the same word can mean different operations. Always think about what is happening.
- In a two-step problem, the first result is not the answer.
- When a division has a remainder, decide whether to round up or round down from the story.
- Check that your answer makes sense and is in the unit the question asks for.
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