Study tips · 3 min read
How to Solve Math Word Problems: A Four-Step Method
Step 1: read twice and underline
First read for the story, second for the numbers. Underline the question and circle the units.
Step 2: name the unknown
Write “let x = …” with units. Draw a quick picture or table if the problem has several quantities.
Step 3: translate to math and solve
Words map to operations: “of” → ×, “per” → ÷, “more than” → +. Then solve with the right tool.
150 km in 2.5 hours
- Units: distance unit per time unit
Step-by-step working 1 steps
- 1speed = distance ÷ time
150 ÷ 2.5 = 60
A percent version: “A shirt costs 60 after a 25% discount; what was the original?” → 60 is 75% of x → x = 80.
60 is 75% of what?
- 60 is 75% of 80
Step-by-step working 2 steps
- 1Turn the percent into a decimal
75% = 75 ÷ 100 = 0.75
- 2Divide the part by that decimal
60 ÷ 0.75 = 80
Step 4: check
Does the answer have the right units and a sensible size? Substitute it back into the story. See estimation techniques for fast sense checks.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I struggle with word problems?
Usually the difficulty is translating words to math, not the arithmetic. Practise naming the unknown and writing units.
Should I always draw a diagram?
For anything involving distance, shapes or several quantities, yes.
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