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Master word problems with eight simple steps from a math tutor!
Author
Amber Watkins
Published
April 2024
Master word problems with eight simple steps from a math tutor!
Author
Amber Watkins
Published
April 2024
Master word problems with eight simple steps from a math tutor!
Author
Amber Watkins
Published
April 2024
Key takeaways
Table of contents
As a tutor who has seen countless math worksheets in almost every grade – I’ll tell you this: every child is going to encounter word problems in math. The key to mastery lies in how you solve them! So then, how do you solve word problems in math?
In this guide, I’ll share eight steps to solving word problems in math.
For a child to understand a word problem, it needs to be read with accuracy and fluency! That is why, when I tutor children with word problems, I always emphasize the importance of reading properly.
Mastering step 1 looks like this:
The keywords for word problems in math indicate what math action should be taken. Teach your child to highlight or underline the keywords in every word problem.
Here are some of the most common keywords in math word problems:
Let’s practice. Read the following word problem with your child and help them highlight or underline the main keyword, then decide which math action should be taken.
Michael has ten baseball cards. James has four baseball cards less than Michael. How many total baseball cards does James have?
The words “less than” are the keywords and they tell us to use subtraction.
As I help students with word problems, I write math symbols and numbers above the keywords. This helps them to understand what the word problem is asking.
Let’s practice. Observe what I write over the keywords in the following word problem and think about how you would create a math sentence using them:
Using the previous example, let’s write a math sentence. Looking at the math symbols and numbers written above the word problem, our math sentence should be: 10 – 5 = 5!
Each time you practice a word problem with your child, highlight keywords and write the math symbols above them. Then have your child create a math sentence to solve.
Pictures can be very helpful for problems that are more difficult to understand. They also are extremely helpful when the word problem involves calculating time, comparing fractions, or measurements.
Help your child get into the habit of always showing their work. As a tutor, I’ve found many reasons why having students show their work is helpful:
If the word problem asks: How many peaches did Lisa buy? Your child’s answer should be: Lisa bought 10 peaches.
If the word problem asks: How far did Kyle run? Your child’s answer should be: Kyle ran 20 miles.
Together we reviewed the eight simple steps to solve word problems. These steps included identifying keywords for word problems in math, drawing pictures, and learning to explain our answers.
Is your child ready to put these new skills to the test? Check out the best math app for some fun math word problem practice.
Parents, sign up for a DoodleMath subscription and see your child become a math wizard!
Lesson credits
Amber Watkins
Amber is an education specialist with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has over 12 years of experience teaching and tutoring elementary through college level math. "Knowing that my work in math education makes such an impact leaves me with an indescribable feeling of pride and joy!"
Amber Watkins
Amber is an education specialist with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has over 12 years of experience teaching and tutoring elementary through college level math. "Knowing that my work in math education makes such an impact leaves me with an indescribable feeling of pride and joy!"
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