How to read a math word problem
The hardest part of a word problem is not the math. It is reading carefully. Here is how to do it without getting lost.
Read it twice
The first time, just read it like a story. Picture what is happening in your head. The second time, look for clues.
Find the numbers
Underline (or just point to) every number in the story. They are the ingredients for your calculation.
Tom has 3 balloons. He gets 4 more.
The numbers here are 3 and 4.
Find the action
What is happening? Look for words that tell you what the people in the story are doing.
- "got more", "added", "altogether" → adding
- "gave away", "ate", "left", "remain" → subtracting
Find the question
Most word problems end with a question. It always tells you what to find.
How many balloons does Tom have now?
When you can answer that, you are done.
Mini-checklist
- ☐ I read the problem twice.
- ☐ I know all the numbers.
- ☐ I know if I should add or take away.
- ☐ I know the question.
If all four boxes are checked, just calculate and write the answer with the right thing — balloons, apples, friends, whatever the story is about.
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