Teaching and Learning

Maths Worded Problem Solving – Tips for students and Parents

At Numurkah Primary School we value the importance of learning how to tackle, explore and solve worded maths problems.

Parents can help their children approach word problems with more confidence by offering tips and suggestions for tackling them. For example encourage children to draw pictures and look for key words that indicate certain mathematical operations. For example, "and" indicates addition, while "less than" is a sign of subtraction. Here are four steps that you can use to guide you through your approach towards maths worded problems.

Generally, solving a word problem involves four easy steps: Read through the problem and set up a word equation — that is, an equation that contains words as well as numbers. Plug in numbers in place of words wherever possible to set up a regular math equation. Use math to solve the equation.

Strategies to help students

1. Read the problem, then re-read it and highlight key words and numbers
2. Draw a picture of the situation that the problem presents
3. Determine the goal of the problem
4. Establish a strategy or write an equation to represent the picture

Please remember that working to solve problems is not only about the end result. It is the journey of thinking and discovering that will really develop a child’s problem solving skills.

Dave Jenner

Leading Teacher