1. Read the Problem Carefully:
   • Identify key information: Look for numbers, keywords, and what the problem is asking.
   • Example: “Sarah has 125 apples and she buys 78 more. How many apples does she have now?”
2. Determine the Operation Needed:
   • Addition: When combining quantities or finding the total.
     • Keywords: “total,” “in all,” “together,” “combine,” “sum.”
   • Subtraction: When finding the difference or removing part of a quantity.
     • Keywords: “difference,” “how many more,” “how many less,” “left,” “subtract.”
3. Write an Equation:
   • Translate the word problem into a mathematical equation using the appropriate operation.
   • Example: “Sarah has 125 apples and buys 78 more” translates to 125+78.
4. Solve the Equation:
   • Perform the arithmetic operation (addition or subtraction) to find the answer.
   • Example: 125+78=203
5. Check the Answer:
   • Review the problem and the solution to ensure the answer makes sense in the context of the question.
   • Example: After solving 125+78=203, check if 203 apples makes sense given the problem.

🎇3. Types of Word Problems

1. Addition Word Problems:
   • Example: “Tom has 42 marbles. His friend gives him 37 more marbles. How many marbles does Tom have now?”
   • Solution: 42+37=79
2. Subtraction Word Problems:
   • Example: “Lily had 89 pencils. She gave 23 pencils to her friend. How many pencils does Lily have left?”
   • Solution: 89−23=66
3. Mixed Operations:
   • Example: “There are 56 students in a classroom. If 12 students leave and then 15 more students join, how many students are in the classroom now?”
   • Solution: First, subtract 56−12=44, then add 44+15=59.

✨4. Tips for Solving Word Problems

• Highlight Key Information: Underline or circle important numbers and words in the problem.
• Break Down the Problem: Divide the problem into smaller, manageable parts if needed.
• Use Drawings or Models: Visual aids can help illustrate the problem and assist in solving it.
• Check Units: Ensure that units (e.g., apples, pencils) are consistent and make sense with the answer.

✨5. Practice Problems

1. Addition Problem:
   • Problem: “Emma has 143 stickers. She buys a pack with 89 more stickers. How many stickers does she have in total?”
   • Solution: 143+89=232
2. Subtraction Problem:
   • Problem: “A library had 500 books. 176 books were checked out. How many books are left in the library?”
   • Solution: 500−176=324
3. Mixed Operation Problem:
   • Problem: “At a party, there were 125 balloons. 30 balloons popped, and 15 new balloons were added. How many balloons are there now?”
   • Solution: First, subtract 125−30=95, then add 95+15=110

🎉6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Misreading the Problem: Ensure you understand what is being asked before solving.
• Incorrect Operations: Use addition or subtraction based on the context of the problem.
• Forgetting to Check: Always review your solution to make sure it fits the context of the problem.

Learn with an example