math word problems

A math word problem is a mathematical question presented in the form of a story or real-life scenario that requires interpretation and problem-solving skills to find a solution.

Look for numbers, keywords (like total, each, how many), and the question being asked to determine what information is necessary to solve the problem.

Solving for a variable means finding the value of that variable that makes an equation true.

The term 'each' implies that the quantity applies individually to every item or person mentioned in the problem.

Add together all the individual prices to find the total cost.

Division is used to determine how many groups can be made or how many items are in each group when a total is shared equally.

Total items = Number of people × Items collected by each person.

Divide the total amount by the amount paid each week to find the number of weeks needed.

'Skipping steps' means that not every step is counted or taken, which can affect the total count.

Subtract the number of completed tasks from the total number of tasks to find the remaining tasks.