How to Solve Word Problems — Step-by-Step Guide + 10 Examples

⚡ RESPUESTA RÁPIDA

Read twice, identify what's given and what's asked, choose the operation, solve step by step, verify. Key words: 'total/combined' → add. 'remaining/difference' → subtract. 'each/groups' → multiply. 'share/per person' → divide.

The 4-Step Method — Understand, Plan, Execute, Check

Addition word problems — key words'Total', 'altogether', 'combined', 'in all', 'sum'. Example: 3 boxes with 24 items + 2 boxes with 36 items = 3×24+2×36 = 72+72 = 144 items.

Subtraction word problems — key words'Remaining', 'difference', 'how many more', 'left over'. Example: Started with 250 tickets, sold 173. Remaining: 250−173=77 tickets.

Multiplication word problems — key words'Each', 'every', 'times', 'groups of', 'at a rate of'. Example: 8 workers earn $350 each per day. Total: 8×$350=$2,800.

Division word problems — key words'Share equally', 'per person', 'split into groups', 'how many fit'. Example: $960 split among 8 people. Each gets: $960÷8=$120.

10 Solved Word Problems — Mixed Operations

A store sold 145 items Monday, 178 Tuesday, 203 Wednesday. Total for 3 days?

145+178+203=526 items. Key word: 'total'.

A shirt costs $420. There's a 25% discount. What's the final price?

Discount: $420×0.25=$105. Final price: $420−$105=$315.

A rectangular room is 6.5m × 4m. How many 50×50cm tiles are needed?

Room area: 6.5×4=26m². Tile area: 0.5×0.5=0.25m². Tiles: 26÷0.25=104 tiles.

A car travels 120km/h. How long to cover 450km?

Time=distance÷speed=450÷120=3.75 hours = 3h 45min.

A recipe needs 3/4 cup flour for 12 cookies. How much for 30 cookies?

Scale factor: 30÷12=2.5. Flour: 3/4×2.5=1.875 cups = 1⅞ cups.

145+178+203

526

$420 − 25%

$315

26m²÷0.25m²

104 tiles

450km÷120km/h

3.75h

¾×2.5

1⅞ cups

8×$350

$2,800

$960÷8

$120

250−173

3×24+2×36

144

$580÷1.16

$500 sin IVA

How do I know which operation to use?

Draw the situation. 'Total/all together' → add. 'Left/remaining' → subtract. 'Each/groups' → multiply. 'Share/per person' → divide.

What if the problem has extra information I don't need?

Identify exactly what's being asked, then find only the data you need. Some problems include extra numbers to test your comprehension.

Should I always verify my answer?

Yes — especially in exams. Substitute your answer back into the problem. If it doesn't make sense (negative price, more than 100%), something went wrong.

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How to Solve Word Problems4-Step Method + 10 Solved Examples

The 4-Step Method — Understand, Plan, Execute, Check

10 Solved Word Problems — Mixed Operations

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How to Solve Word Problems
4-Step Method + 10 Solved Examples