Key vocabulary words to look for when solving word problems
When working with word problems, a good place to start is to identify which operation you need to use. Students can often figure this out by looking for some key vocabulary words that indicate the operation. Take a look at the graphic organizer on the left to see what kind of words to look for.
Reference:
Schweda, K. (2012, Oct 13). Integration. Retrieved from http://edtech2.boisestate.edu/schwedak /506/keyword.html
Reference:
Schweda, K. (2012, Oct 13). Integration. Retrieved from http://edtech2.boisestate.edu/schwedak /506/keyword.html
Tips for working with word problems
~Try using the 4 steps to problem solving, as summarized below.
~Use the C.U.B.E.S. method
Circle the numbers.
Underline important words.
Box the question.
Eliminate unnecessary information.
Solve the problem
This method is an easy way to work through a word problem. Students start by finding the important information and identifying what question is being asked. Then they eliminate unnecessary information and solve the problem.
~You can also use a graphic organizer to help solve word problems. This is a good strategy to use for students that get confused with too much information in the problem. You just read through the problem and fill in the information in the graphic organizer.
- Read and understand the question.
- Make a plan.
- Carry out the plan.
- Check your work.
~Use the C.U.B.E.S. method
Circle the numbers.
Underline important words.
Box the question.
Eliminate unnecessary information.
Solve the problem
This method is an easy way to work through a word problem. Students start by finding the important information and identifying what question is being asked. Then they eliminate unnecessary information and solve the problem.
~You can also use a graphic organizer to help solve word problems. This is a good strategy to use for students that get confused with too much information in the problem. You just read through the problem and fill in the information in the graphic organizer.
Example word problems
1. Devan has saved up 2 dozen quarters. How much money does he have?
Answer: $6.00
2. Alexis went to the store and bought 3 bunches of bananas. Each bunch had 5 bananas. Each bunch cost $2.50. How many bananas did Alexis buy all together?
Answer: 15 bananas
3. Josh had a birthday party last weekend and 8 of his friends came. He had 25 toys to give out as favors. How can Josh divide his toys equally among his friends? How many toys will each friend get?
Answer: 3 toys each
4. Sarah's sister paid her $3.00 an hour to help her clean the garage. Sarah helped clean the garage for 3 hours. How much money did Sarah make that day?
Answer: $9.00
Answer: $6.00
2. Alexis went to the store and bought 3 bunches of bananas. Each bunch had 5 bananas. Each bunch cost $2.50. How many bananas did Alexis buy all together?
Answer: 15 bananas
3. Josh had a birthday party last weekend and 8 of his friends came. He had 25 toys to give out as favors. How can Josh divide his toys equally among his friends? How many toys will each friend get?
Answer: 3 toys each
4. Sarah's sister paid her $3.00 an hour to help her clean the garage. Sarah helped clean the garage for 3 hours. How much money did Sarah make that day?
Answer: $9.00
References:
Kline, J. (2012, Mar 6). Math word problem strategies. Retrieved from http://theteachergarden.blogspot.com/2012/03/math-word-problem-strategies.html
Crady, J. (Photographer). (2013). Math story problems [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://pinterest.com/pin/104356916335970838/
Kline, J. (2012, Mar 6). Math word problem strategies. Retrieved from http://theteachergarden.blogspot.com/2012/03/math-word-problem-strategies.html
Crady, J. (Photographer). (2013). Math story problems [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://pinterest.com/pin/104356916335970838/