Problem Solving
How to solve maths word problems
Read, represent, calculate, check and explain.
Quick answer
How to solve maths word problems: Read the problem carefully, represent it with objects or drawings, calculate the answer, check it makes sense, and explain your thinking.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will be able to solve maths word problems by reading them carefully, using pictures or objects to understand them, working out the maths, checking your answer, and explaining how you solved it. Success signs:- You can read a word problem and understand what it's asking
- You can draw or use objects to show what the problem means
- You can add, subtract, multiply or divide to find the answer
- You can check if your answer makes sense in the real world
Why this matters
Word problems help you use maths in real life. When you go shopping, you might need to add prices or share sweets. When you're planning a party, you might need to work out how many guests can fit at tables. Word problems teach you to think like a mathematician, using maths to solve everyday challenges. This skill will help you in school, in your job, and in your daily life.How it works
Solving word problems is like going on a small adventure. Here are the 5 steps you can follow:- Read the problem carefully – Look for important numbers and words like "more", "less", "total", "shared", or "each"
- Represent the problem – Use objects, drawings, or a number line to show what’s happening
- Calculate the answer – Do the maths using addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division
- Check your answer – Ask yourself, "Does this make sense?"
- Explain your thinking – Tell someone how you solved it
Examples you can see
Let’s try a simple example together. Problem: There are 5 red apples and 3 green apples in a basket. How many apples are there in total? Step 1: Read the problem carefully We see the numbers 5 and 3. We also see "total", which means we need to add. Step 2: Represent the problem You can draw 5 red apples and 3 green apples, or use 5 red counters and 3 green counters. Step 3: Calculate the answer 5 + 3 = 8 Step 4: Check your answer We have 5 red apples and 3 green apples. That makes 8 apples altogether. This makes sense. Step 5: Explain your thinking "I added 5 and 3 because the problem asked for the total number of apples." Let’s try another one. Problem: Sam has 12 cookies. He wants to share them equally between 4 friends. How many cookies does each friend get? Step 1: Read the problem carefully We see 12 cookies and 4 friends. "Share equally" means we need to divide. Step 2: Represent the problem You can draw 12 circles for cookies and 4 groups. Then, you can put 1 cookie in each group at a time, or use 12 counters and share them into 4 equal groups. Step 3: Calculate the answer 12 ÷ 4 = 3 Step 4: Check your answer If each of the 4 friends gets 3 cookies, then 4 × 3 = 12 cookies. That’s correct. Step 5: Explain your thinking "I divided 12 by 4 because Sam wants to share 12 cookies equally among 4 friends. Each friend gets 3 cookies."Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: The Treasure Hunt You are on a treasure hunt. The treasure map says:- Start at the big tree
- Walk 10 steps forward
- Turn left and walk 5 steps
- Turn right and walk 7 steps
- Find the treasure!
Common mistakes
- Mistake: Not reading the whole problem.
Why it happens: You might rush or get distracted.
Fix: Read the problem twice and underline key words like "total", "shared", or "left". - Mistake: Adding when you should subtract.
Why it happens: You might not notice words like "left" or "fewer".
Fix: Look for words that tell you what operation to use. "Left" often means subtract. - Mistake: Forgetting to check the answer.
Why it happens: You might be in a hurry.
Fix: Always ask, "Does this answer make sense?" - Mistake: Not explaining how you solved it.
Why it happens: You might think it's not important.
Fix: Try saying your thinking out loud. This helps you understand better.
Parent and carer guide
Helping your child solve word problems is like being a detective. Here’s how you can help in 5-10 minutes:- Ask questions like "What do you know?" and "What do you need to find out?"
- Encourage drawing or using toys to show the problem
- Let them explain their thinking out loud
- Check together if the answer makes sense
- Be patient – it's okay to take time to think
- Don’t say "just do the maths" – help them understand the problem
- Don’t rush them – word problems take time
- Don’t correct every mistake – guide them to find their own errors
Practice questions
- There are 8 blue balloons and 6 yellow balloons. How many balloons are there in total?
- Tom has 15 stickers. He gives 4 to his sister. How many stickers does he have left?
- Lily has 4 boxes. Each box has 6 crayons. How many crayons are there altogether?
- A pizza has 12 slices. 3 friends share it equally. How many slices does each friend get?
- There are 20 children in a class. 5 children go to the library. How many children are left in the class?
- 8 + 6 = 14 balloons
- 15 - 4 = 11 stickers
- 4 × 6 = 24 crayons
- 12 ÷ 3 = 4 slices
- 20 - 5 = 15 children
FAQ
What is a word problem?
A word problem is a maths question written in words, not just numbers and symbols. It tells a story about something real, like sharing toys or counting apples.
How can I get better at solving word problems?
Practice makes progress! Try solving a few problems every day. Draw pictures, use objects, and explain your thinking. The more you do it, the easier it gets.
Why do we need to check our answers?
Checking helps you make sure your answer is correct and makes sense. It’s like double-checking your homework to make sure you didn’t make a silly mistake.
What if I don’t understand the problem?
That’s okay! Read the problem again. Ask someone to help you understand. You can also draw it out or act it out with toys.
Can I use a calculator for word problems?
Yes, you can use a calculator if you know what to do. But first, try to solve it yourself using drawings or objects. This helps you understand the problem better.