Word Problems
Translate a story into an arithmetic expression and solve it step by step.
Key idea
Translate a story into an arithmetic expression and solve it step by step.
In depth
A word problem is a story hiding an operation. Read to find what is known and what is asked, choose the operation that matches the story, solve, then check that the answer makes sense in context.
Worked example
A pack has 12 pencils; 5 packs hold 5 × 12 = 60 pencils. Sharing between 6 children gives 60 ÷ 6 = 10 each.
Real-world uses
- Solving recipe scaling, travel and budgeting questions in school exams and everyday planning
Common mistake
Grabbing numbers and guessing the operation from keywords alone. Always ask what is happening in the story.
How to learn this
- Read the key idea and say it in your own words.
- Work through the worked example, then try a similar problem.
- Use the interactive lesson’s visual and mini-quiz to check the pattern.
Frequently asked questions
What is Word Problems?
Translate a story into an arithmetic expression and solve it step by step. It is a topic at the beginner level in Arithmetic & Number Sense.
Where is Word Problems used in real life?
Real-world examples: Solving recipe scaling, travel and budgeting questions in school exams and everyday planning.
What should I learn before Word Problems?
Make sure you are comfortable with Order of Operations, the previous topic in Arithmetic & Number Sense.
What is a common mistake with Word Problems?
Grabbing numbers and guessing the operation from keywords alone. Always ask what is happening in the story.
How can I practise Word Problems?
Open the interactive lesson, play with the visual, then answer the three-question mini-quiz. Getting two right marks the topic complete.
What comes after Word Problems?
Move on to Written Addition Algorithm next.
Related beginner topics in Arithmetic & Number Sense
- Counting & Cardinality – Assigning one number word to each object to find how many there are.
- Place Value – The value of a digit depends on its position: ones, tens, hundreds and so on.
- Number Line – A line where numbers are placed in order at equal spacing to compare and add them.
- Comparing Numbers – Use <, > and = to say which number is smaller, larger or equal.
- Ordering Numbers – Arranging numbers from least to greatest or the reverse.
- Even and Odd Numbers – Even numbers divide by 2 with no remainder; odd numbers leave remainder 1.