How to Solve Math Word Problems: A 4-Step Method

Word problems are hard not because the math is hard, but because you have to work out which math to do. A simple routine helps every time.

Step 1: Understand

Read the problem twice. Then answer: What am I trying to find? Underline it. Circle the numbers you'll need — and cross out any that are just there to distract you.

Step 2: Plan

Decide what's happening. Are things being combined (add)? Taken away or compared (subtract)? Equal groups (multiply or divide)? A part of something (fractions or percentages)? Drawing a quick picture or bar model helps a lot.

Step 3: Solve

Write the number sentence, then calculate. Show your working so you can find mistakes later.

Step 4: Check

Does the answer make sense? Is it about the right size? Did you include units (cm, $, minutes)? Did you answer the actual question?

Worked example

"A shirt costs $40. It's on sale for 25% off. What is the sale price?"

• Find: the sale price, not the discount.
• Plan: find 25% of 40, then take it away.
• Solve: 25% of 40 = 10. 40 − 10 = $30.
• Check: less than $40? Yes. A quarter off feels right. Answer: $30.

The keyword trap

Students are often taught that "altogether" means add and "left" means subtract. Keywords help sometimes but mislead often — "How many more does Sam have than Ali?" contains more but needs subtraction. Always ask what's actually happening instead.