Key words for Word Problems

Front

What does 'total' mean in a word problem?

Back

It refers to the sum of all parts, indicating that you should use addition.

Front

What does 'how many more' indicate in a word problem?

Back

It suggests that you need to find the difference between two amounts, indicating subtraction.

Front

What does 'increase' mean in a word problem?

Back

It means to add to a quantity, indicating addition.

Front

What does 'left' mean in a word problem?

Back

It refers to what remains after some has been taken away, indicating subtraction.

Front

What is the operation used when you see 'gained' in a word problem?

Back

It indicates addition, as it refers to an increase in quantity.

Front

What does 'combined' mean in a word problem?

Back

It means to add two or more quantities together, indicating addition.

Front

What does 'decrease' mean in a word problem?

Back

It means to take away from a quantity, indicating subtraction.

Front

What does 'difference' mean in a word problem?

Back

It refers to the result of subtraction, indicating you need to find how much one number is less than another.

Front

What does 'more than' indicate in a word problem?

Back

It suggests that you should add a certain amount to another quantity, indicating addition.

Front

What does 'fewer' mean in a word problem?

Back

It indicates that you should subtract a quantity from another, indicating subtraction.