Clue Words for Solving Word Problems

 The difficult part of a word problem (aka story problem/number story) is understanding the problem and deciding what operation needs to be performed to solve it. Here is a four step process that can be used each time you are attempting to solve a word problem:

1. Read and Understand

• read the problem carefully
• read the problem more than once if necessary
• understand what is being asked

2. Look for Clue Words/Develop a Plan of Action

• underline or circle important words that will let you know what operation(s) you need to perform to solve the problem
• Make a table, a diagram, write an equation, use guess and check, work backward.

3.  Carry Out the Plan

• solve the problem
• check each step as you go along (especially for two and three step problems)

4.  Check Your Answer to See if it Makes Sense

• don't be satisfied with getting a number after completing your work
• re-read the problem and go through your work step by step looking for minor errors
• make sure you have answered what they question asks for...Does it make sense? Is it reasonable?

*Below is a list of commonly used clue words for word problems grouped by operation:


Addition                                   

• add, sum, total, plus, in all, both, together, all together, increased by, additional, combined

Subtraction

• subtract, difference, take away, less than, remained, decreased by, have left, how much more, fewer than, change (money problems), how many more, more than

Multiplication

• times, product of, multiplied by, by (dimensions)

Division

• quotient of, divided by, each, per, percent, fraction of

Equals

• is, are, was, were, will be, gives, yields 
  

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