It’s one thing to solve a math equation when all of the numbers are given to you but with word problems, when you start adding reading to the mix, that’s when it gets especially tricky.
The simple addition of those words ramps up the difficulty (and sometimes the math anxiety) by about 100!
How can you help your students become confident word problem solvers? By teaching your students to solve word problems in a step by step, organized way, you will give them the tools they need to solve word problems in a much more effective way.
Here are the seven strategies I use to help students solve word problems.
1. Read the Entire Word Problem
Before students look for keywords and try to figure out what to do, they need to slow down a bit and read the whole word problem once (and even better, twice). This helps kids get the bigger picture to be able to understand it a little better too.
2. Think About the Word Problem
Students need to ask themselves three questions every time they are faced with a word problem. These questions will help them to set up a plan for solving the problem.
Here are the questions:
A. What exactly is the question?
What is the problem asking? Often times, curriculum writers include extra information in the problem for seemingly no good reason, except maybe to train kids to ignore that extraneous information (grrrr!). Students need to be able to stay focused, ignore those extra details, and find out what the real question is in a particular problem.
B. What do I need in order to find the answer?
Students need to narrow it down, even more, to figure out what is needed to solve the problem, whether it’s adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, or some combination of those. They’ll need a general idea of which information will be used (or not used) and what they’ll be doing.
This is where key words become very helpful. When students learn to recognize that certain words mean to add (like in all, altogether, combined), while others mean to subtract, multiply, or to divide, it helps them decide how to proceed a little better
Here’s a Key Words Chart I like to use for teaching word problems. The handout could be copied at a smaller size and glued into interactive math notebooks. It could be placed in math folders or in binders under the math section if your students use binders.
One year I made huge math signs (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and divide symbols) and wrote the keywords around the symbols. These served as a permanent reminder of keywords for word problems in the classroom.
If you’d like to download this FREE Key Words handout, click here:
C. What information do I already have?
This is where students will focus in on the numbers which will be used to solve the problem.
3. Write on the Word Problem
This step reinforces the thinking which took place in step number two. Students use a pencil or colored pencils to notate information on worksheets (not books of course, unless they’re consumable). There are lots of ways to do this, but here’s what I like to do:
- Circle any numbers you’ll use.
- Lightly cross out any information you don’t need.
- Underline the phrase or sentence which tells exactly what you’ll need to find.
4. Draw a Simple Picture and Label It
Drawing pictures using simple shapes like squares, circles, and rectangles help students visualize problems. Adding numbers or names as labels help too.
For example, if the word problem says that there were five boxes and each box had 4 apples in it, kids can draw five squares with the number four in each square. Instantly, kids can see the answer so much more easily!
5. Estimate the Answer Before Solving
Having a general idea of a ballpark answer for the problem lets students know if their actual answer is reasonable or not. This quick, rough estimate is a good math habit to get into. It helps students really think about their answer’s accuracy when the problem is finally solved.
6. Check Your Work When Done
This strategy goes along with the fifth strategy. One of the phrases I constantly use during math time is, Is your answer reasonable? I want students to do more than to be number crunchers but to really think about what those numbers mean.
Also, when students get into the habit of checking work, they are more apt to catch careless mistakes, which are often the root of incorrect answers.
7. Practice Word Problems Often
Just like it takes practice to learn to play the clarinet, to dribble a ball in soccer, and to draw realistically, it takes practice to become a master word problem solver.
When students practice word problems, often several things happen. Word problems become less scary (no, really).
They start to notice similarities in types of problems and are able to more quickly understand how to solve them. They will gain confidence even when dealing with new types of word problems, knowing that they have successfully solved many word problems in the past.
If you’re looking for some word problem task cards, I have quite a few of them for 3rd – 5th graders.
This 3rd Grade Math Task Cards Bundle has word problems in almost every one of its 30 task card sets.
There are also specific sets that are dedicated to word problems and two-step word problems too. I love these because there’s a task card set for every standard.
CLICK HERE to take a look at 3rd grade:
This 4th Grade Math Task Cards Bundle also has lots of word problems in almost every single of its 30 task card sets. These cards are perfect for centers, whole class, and for one on one.
CLICK HERE to see 4th grade:
This 5th Grade Math Task Cards Bundle is also loaded with word problems to give your students focused practice.
CLICK HERE to take a look at 5th grade:
Want to try a FREE set of math task cards to see what you think?
3rd Grade: Rounding Whole Numbers Task Cards
4th Grade: Convert Fractions and Decimals Task Cards
5th Grade: Read, Write, and Compare Decimals Task Cards
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Word problems can be intimidating and overwhelming for children and parents alike. They require children to read at grade level while solving a complex puzzle. Empower your child to tackle those tricky problems by teaching a systematic approach for solving them. Whether it’s a one-step or multi-step word problem, the simple strategies listed below will take the guesswork out of the equation. 😉
3-Step System
1. Read: Read the problem and decide what the question is asking.
- Read the problem 2 times or more.
- Underline or circle key words, phrases, and numbers. Draw a line through irrelevant information.
2. Plan: Think about what the story is asking you to do. What information are you given, and what do you need to find out?
- Draw a picture.
- Circle or underline key words. (Use highlighters or crayons to color-code key numbers and phrases.)
- Write out the question in your own words.
3. Solve: What strategy could you use to find the missing information: addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division?
- Write a number sentence and solve.
- Use counters.
- Create charts.
Check your work by explaining your reasoning. Does your answer make sense?
Download this free strategy checklist from Math Fundamentals to help your child solve word problems. 
Different Strategies to Solve Word Problems
Everyone learns in a different way. What makes sense to one individual often isn’t the easiest option for another. Incorporating different strategies to solve word problems can help your child discover what strategy works best for him or her. A few tips to use are:
1. Circle numbers in a story and underline key phrases.
Color coding is a fun method to incorporate to help children decide what operation the question is asking for. Assign a color to each operation and highlight the phrase that identifies it. For example, red links to addition and blue links to subtraction.
2. Incorporate a key word list.
Key word lists are best used for teaching younger children how to solve word problems. As math curriculum advances, children should not be dependent on a key word list to solve a problem. The questions get trickier.
Addition
In all
Together
Total
Altogether
Combine
Sum
Join
Subtraction
Difference
Fewer
How many more
How much more
Left
Remain
Less
3. Visuals
If your child is a visual learner, drawing a picture or using counters can help him or her understand what the problem is asking. Use number lines, charts, or counters or draw a picture.
4. Write your own word problem.
Knowing what is needed to write a word problem is the first step in identifying key words to solve a story. Take turns writing your own word problems with your child and exchange them to solve.
5. Stay organized.
It is important to write clearly and keep work space neat so children can read and follow their own computations. Many children need a separate piece of paper to allow them enough space to solve and understand their answer. Graphing paper is a great option to help students record neat work.
Download this free sample word problem from Math Fundamentals, grade 1.
How to solve a two-step word problem
In a two-step word problem children are being asking to solve two related equations. These can get tricky for children to understand when they transition from one-step to two-step problems. Help your child understand his or her relationships within two-step word problems with these strategies:
1. Circle important information.
Circle numbers and important phrases that ask questions. The number sentences needed to solve these equations are hidden in those asking questions. Identify the first and second questions needed to solve.
2. Distinguish the two parts of the problem.
First identify the first step of the first part of the word problem. Write a number sentence and solve.
3. Use the answer from the first-step solution to the whole problem.
Use the answer from the first question to help you solve the next equation. What operation does the second question require?
Check your work by explaining your reasoning. What was the question answered? Is the answer reasonable for the question being asked?
Download this free sample two-strategy word problem from Math Fundamentals, grade 2
Download this free sample multi-strategy word problem from Math Fundamentals, grade 4
Evan-Moor’s Math Fundamentals is a great resource for training students how to solve word problems in 3 simple steps. It provides step-by-step directions for solving questions and guides children with helpful visuals and key phrases.
Check out Daily Word Problems for consistent practice solving word problems.
For more fun math tips and strategies check out our Math- Ideas, Activities and Lessons Pinterest Board.
Save these tips and Pin It now!
Heather Foudy is a certified elementary teacher with over 7 years’ experience as an educator and volunteer in the classroom. She enjoys creating lessons that are meaningful and creative for students. She is currently working for Evan-Moor’s marketing and communications team and enjoys building learning opportunities that are both meaningful and creative for students and teachers alike.
Word problems are widely seen in our classrooms today. Many children seem to struggle with how to go about solving these problems. However, it is so important for students to understand how to have access to these problems because they greatly improve strategic thinking and problem solving skills.
Below are summaries of two articles that I have reviewed. They discuss the importance of word problems and how to go about helping students best solve them. Through these articles, tips, and examples, you as parents should begin to understand why word problems are so important to your children in today’s classroom.
Article One: “Word Problem-Solving Instruction in Inclusive Third-Grade Mathematics Classrooms”
Summary: This article discusses the two methods of solving word problems in hopes to prove, through a study, that one way is more beneficial than the other. These two methods include; General Strategy Instruction (GSI) and Schema Based Instruction (SBI). GSI includes students using a four step process to solve word problems; understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and looking back and reflecting. According to the article this is the process most commonly seen in our school textbooks. Likewise, the four steps in an SBI approach to word problems include; problem schema identification, representation, planning, and solution. One of the biggest ideas of this method is that there must be visual representation of a problem.
The article then goes into a study done in a third grade classroom, comparing the two methods of solving word problems over a long period time. The results of the study found that one way was not significantly better than the other at helping children increase their problem solving skills. As of now, this shows that both ways are successful at teaching students word problems. The article did prove that their are a variety of successful ways and as a teacher it is my hope to pick the one that will best benefit my students.
Article Two: Comprehension of Arithmetic Word Problems: A Comparison of Successful and Unsuccessful Problem Solvers
Summary: This article also discusses two ways to solve word problems. One of the ways is “Direct-Translation Strategy” (DTS), which the article calls an unsuccessful way, and the other is called “Problem Model Strategy,” (PMS), which the author calls the successful way. In the DTS strategy the student bases his/her solution on the selection of numbers and keywords from the problem. In the PMS strategy the learner creates a mental model of the situation being described in the problem.
Strategies/Tips for solving word problems:
- Read the problem extra carefully. Sometimes you may need to read it a few times to understand it.
- List all the information you can identify, including the units being used.
- Look for keywords that will help you identify which operation you will be using (subtraction = how many will be left, difference).
- Use sketches, drawings, and models.
- To check to see if your answer is right, try doing the problem backwards starting with your answer.
- Descriptive words can sometimes represent a relationship.
- Identify the information that is still needed.
Vocabulary signposts in word problems:
| Addition | Subtraction | Multiplication | Division |
| Plus | Difference | Product | Out Of |
| Increase | Decrease | Of | Shared |
| Combined | Less Than | Times | Each |
| All Together | Remain | Multiplied | Every |
| Extra | Left | By | Average |
| More | Lost | As Much | Quotient |
| And | Reduce | Equal Pieces |
Practice Word Problems:
Number Theory
- Heather has one whole pepperoni pizza. She wants to given an equal fraction of the pizza to herself and her two other friends. What fraction of the pizza will each person receive? (write your answer in fraction form)
Measurement
- Tom started playing his soccer game at 5 after 2 on Sunday afternoon, and his soccer game lasted 1 hour and 30 minutes. What time was Tom’s soccer game over?
Geometry
- Mrs. Smith wants to buy soil for her flower and vegetable fields. The length of the field is 25 feet and the width is 40. How much soil will she need to buy? If the soil costs $7.00 per 30 cubic feet, how much money will she be spending? Write your answers in a decimal to the nearest tens place.
Data Analysis and Probability
- Mark is the star player on his basketball team. In the last five games he has scored 17, 23, 16, 31, and 27 points. What is the average number of points he scored in the five games. What is the median number of points?
Algebraic Thinking
- There are 75 fifth graders at Northern Elementary School. They need to be split equally between lunch periods. This makes 25 students to be at each lunch period. Write an equation showing how many lunch periods there would need to be in order to have 25 students in each. Now solve the equation. How many lunch periods do you actually need?
References
- Foye, B. (n.d.). Key Words in Math Word Problems. WISC-Online. Retrieved April 12, 2015, from http://www.wisc-online.com/Objects/ViewObject.aspx?ID=ABM1401
- Griffin, C., & Jitendra, A. (2009). Word Problem-Solving Instruction in Inclusive Third-Grade Mathematics Classrooms. Journal of Educational Research, 102(3), 187-201. Retrieved April 15, 2012, from the EBSCOhost database.
- Hegarty, M., Mayer, R., & Monk, C. (1995). Comprehension of Arithmetic Word Problems: A Comparison of Successful and Unsuccessful Problem Solvers. Journal of Educational Psychology, 87(1), 18-32.
- 12 Tips For Solving Word Problems: Teaching Children How to Solve Mathematics Problems | Suite101.com. (n.d.). David R. Wetzel Writing Profile | Suite101.com. Retrieved April 15, 2012, from http://david-r-wetzel.suite101.com/12-tips-for-solving-word-problems-a57713
Word problems often confuse students simply because the question does not present itself in a ready-to-solve mathematical equation. You can answer even the most complex word problems, provided you understand the mathematical concepts addressed. While the degree of difficulty may change, the way to solve word problems involves a planned approach that requires identifying the problem, gathering the relevant information, creating the equation, solving and checking your work.
Identify the Problem
Begin by determining the scenario the problem wants you to solve. This might come as a question or a statement. Either way, the word problem provides you with all the information you need to solve it. Once you identify the problem, you can determine the unit of measurement for the final answer. In the following example, the question asks you to determine the total number of socks between the two sisters. The unit of measurement for this problem is pairs of socks.
«Suzy has eight pairs of red socks and six pairs of blue socks. Suzy’s brother Mark owns eight socks. If her little sister owns nine pairs of purple socks and loses two of Suzy’s pairs, how many pairs of socks do the sisters have left?»
Gather Information
Create a table, list, graph or chart that outlines the information you know, and leave blanks for any information you don’t yet know. Each word problem may require a different format, but a visual representation of the necessary information makes it easier to work with.
In the example, the question asks how many socks the sisters own together, so you can disregard the information about Mark. Also, the color of the socks doesn’t matter. This eliminates much of the information and leaves you with only the total number of socks that the sisters started with and how many the little sister lost.
Create an Equation
Translate any of the math terms into math symbols. For example, the words and phrases «sum,» «more than,» «increased» and «in addition to» all mean to add, so write in the «+» symbol over these words. Use a letter for the unknown variable, and create an algebraic equation that represents the problem.
In the example, take the total number of pairs of socks Suzy owns — eight plus six. Take the total number of pairs that her sister owns — nine. The total pairs of socks owned by both sisters is 8 + 6 + 9. Subtract the two missing pairs for a final equation of (8 + 6 + 9) — 2 = n, where n is the number of pairs of socks the sisters have left.
Solve the Problem
Using the equation, solve the problem by plugging in the values and solving for the unknown variable. Double-check your calculations along the way to prevent any mistakes. Multiply, divide and subtract in the correct order using the order of operations. Exponents and roots come first, then multiplication and division, and finally addition and subtraction.
In the example, after adding the numbers together and subtracting, you get an answer of n = 21 pairs of socks.
Verify the Answer
Check if your answer makes sense with what you know. Using common sense, estimate an answer and see if you come close to what you expected. If the answer seems absurdly large or too small, search through the problem to find where you went wrong.
In the example, you know by adding up all the numbers for the sisters that you have a maximum of 23 socks. Since the problem mentions that the little sister lost two pairs, the final answer must be less than 23. If you get a higher number, you did something wrong. Apply this logic to any word problem, regardless of the difficulty.
Word problems can be tricky for a lot of students, but they’re incredibly important to master. After all, in the real world, most math is in the form of word problems. “If one gallon of paint covers 400 square feet, and my wall measures 34 feet by 8 feet, how many gallons do I need?” “This sweater costs $135, but it’s on sale for 35% off. So how much is that?” Here are the best teacher-tested ideas for helping kids get a handle on these problems.
1. Solve word problems regularly
This might be the most important tip of all. Word problems should be part of everyday math practice, especially for older kids. Whenever possible, use word problems every time you teach a new math skill. Even better: give students a daily word problem to solve so they’ll get comfortable with the process.
Learn more: Teaching With Jennifer Findlay
2. Teach problem-solving routines
There are a LOT of strategies out there for teaching kids how to solve word problems (keep reading to see some terrific examples). The important thing to remember is that what works for one student may not work for another. So introduce a basic routine like Plan-Solve-Check that every kid can use every time. You can expand on the Plan and Solve steps in a variety of ways, but this basic 3-step process ensures kids slow down and take their time.
Learn more: Word Problems Made Easy
3. Visualize or model the problem
Encourage students to think of word problems as an actual story or scenario. Try acting the problem out if possible, and draw pictures, diagrams, or models. Learn more about this method and get free printable templates at the link.
Learn more: Math Geek Mama
4. Make sure they identify the actual question
Educator Robert Kaplinsky asked 32 eighth grade students to answer this nonsensical word problem. Only 25% of them realized they didn’t have the right information to answer the actual question; the other 75% gave a variety of numerical answers that involved adding, subtracting, or dividing the two numbers. That tells us kids really need to be trained to identify the actual question being asked before they proceed.
Learn more: Robert Kaplinsky
5. Remove the numbers
It seems counterintuitive … math without numbers? But this word problem strategy really forces kids to slow down and examine the problem itself, without focusing on numbers at first. If the numbers were removed from the sheep/shepherd problem above, students would have no choice but to slow down and read more carefully, rather than plowing ahead without thinking.
Learn more: Where the Magic Happens Teaching
6. Try the CUBES method
This is a tried-and-true method for teaching word problems, and it’s really effective for kids who are prone to working too fast and missing details. By taking the time to circle, box, and underline important information, students are more likely to find the correct answer to the question actually being asked.
Learn more: Teaching With a Mountain View
7. Show word problems the LOVE
Here’s another fun acronym for tackling word problems: LOVE. Using this method, kids Label numbers and other key info, then explain Our thinking by writing the equation as a sentence. They use Visuals or models to help plan and list any and all Equations they’ll use.
Learn more: Teaching With Jennifer Findlay
8. Consider teaching word problem key words
This is one of those methods that some teachers love and others hate. Those who like it feel it offers kids a simple tool for making sense of words and how they relate to math. Others feel it’s outdated, and prefer to teach word problems using context and situations instead (see below). You might just consider this one more trick to keep in your toolbox for students who need it.
Learn more: Book Units Teacher
9. Determine the operation for the situation
Instead of (or in addition to) key words, have kids really analyze the situation presented to determine the right operation(s) to use. Some key words, like “total,” can be pretty vague. It’s worth taking the time to dig deeper into what the problem is really asking. Get a free printable chart and learn how to use this method at the link.
Learn more: Solving Word Problems With Jennifer Findlay
10. Differentiate word problems to build skills
Sometimes students get so distracted by numbers that look big or scary that they give up right off the bat. For those cases, try working your way up to the skill at hand. For instance, instead of jumping right to subtracting 4 digit numbers, make the numbers smaller to start. Each successive problem can be a little more difficult, but kids will see they can use the same method regardless of the numbers themselves.
Learn more: Differentiating Math
11. Ensure they can justify their answers
One of the quickest ways to find mistakes is to look closely at your answer and ensure it makes sense. If students can explain how they came to their conclusion, they’re much more likely to get the answer right. That’s why teachers have been asking students to “show their work” for decades now.
Learn more: Madly Learning
12. Write the answer in a sentence
When you think about it, this one makes so much sense. Word problems are presented in complete sentences, so the answers should be too. This helps students make certain they’re actually answering the question being asked… part of justifying their answer.
Learn more: Multi-Step Word Problems
13. Add rigor to your word problems
A smart way to help kids conquer word problems is to, well… give them better problems to conquer. A rich math word problem is accessible and feels real to students, like something that matters. It should allow for different ways to solve it and be open for discussion. A series of problems should be varied, using different operations and situations when possible, and even include multiple steps. Visit both of the links below for excellent tips on adding rigor to your math word problems.
Learn more: The Routty Math Teacher and Alyssa Teaches
14. Use a problem-solving rounds activity.
Put all those word problem strategies and skills together with this whole-class activity. Start by reading the problem as a group and sharing important information. Then, have students work with a partner to plan how they’ll solve it. In round three, kids use those plans to solve the problem individually. Finally, they share their answer and methods with their partner and the class. Be sure to recognize and respect all problem-solving strategies that lead to the correct answer.
Learn more: Teacher Trap
Like these word problem tips and tricks? Learn more about Why It’s Important to Honor All Math Strategies.
Plus, 60+ Awesome Websites For Teaching and Learning Math.