REAL LIFE MATHor

WORD PROBLEMS

There are 4 basic steps that can help you to solve word problems.

4

These four steps are:1. Carefully read the problem.

2. Decide what is wanted by looking for key words.

3. Make a chart, a drawing, or place items in order to help organize your thoughts.

4. Use the information and solve the problem.

When you have a word problem to solve, follow this order:

1. Carefully read the problem.

Problem: Ann had five bags of marbles. In each bag were 15 marbles. How many marbles did Ann have? Hint: (1. Read the problem carefully.)

2. Decide what is wanted by looking for key words. (Key words are words that tell you what needs to be done.)

Ann had five bags of marbles.In each bag were 15 marbles. How many marbles did Ann have?

Decide:What are the key words?

Key words: How many

How many usually means to total the items. This can be done by:

CONSIDER

CountingAdding

or Multiplying

3. Make a drawing, a chart, or place items in order to help organize your thoughts.

4. Use the information and solve the problem.

Solve the problem.

Count = 75Add:

15+15+15+15+15=75Multiply: 15 X 5 = 75

Different methods can be used.

Don’t forget: Just the number is not a complete answer!

Make the answer complete: 75 marbles or even better- Ann has 75 marbles.

75

Remember that there are four steps to help solve word problems.

1. Read the problem carefully.

2. Decide what is wanted by

looking for the key word or words.

3. Make a drawing, a chart, or place items in order to help organize your thoughts

4. Use the information and solve the problem.

Now try this problem on your

own!

Jim is a cashier at a grocery store. He earns fifteen dollars a week. He works five hours a day - four days a week. How much does Jim earn in a week. (Follow all 4 steps.)