MrV’s Solving Word Problems 1. Read the whole problem slowly, all the way through HW only: Write down the Problem # and summarize BRIEFLY Examples: “76. Spaulding Co. Checking” “78. Monthly Car Expenses” 2. Find the Question that is asked (there may be more than 1) HW/Test: Re-Write it as an Answer Form with measures but no value Examples: “$_____total deposits” “$_____ each month” “___cm by ___cm” 3. Find the numbers within the problem HW/Test: List the numbers and their meanings 4. Figure out how to compute the numbers to get the answer HW/Test: Do the math and get an answer value 5. Check your answer value(s) HW: If it matches the book’s answer, copy into the Answer Form and circle it. If it doesn’t match, either: correctly redo the problem or mark it wrong. Test: Double-check the copied numbers and your calculations: fix (if needed), then copy the value(s) to Answer Form

Addition Subtraction Key Words and Phrases to Look For in Word Problems subtracted from 5 subtracted from – or or or or or or – 11 or 11 – 5 8 – 5 or 5 – 8 9 – 3 or 3 – 9 2 – 7 or 7 – 2 8 – 2 or 2 – 8 5 – 1 or 1 – 5

Multiplication Division Key Words and Phrases to Look For in Word Problems fraction of one-half of 14 (½)14 twice twice 7 2(7) Powers the ratio of the ratio of 5 to 9 5/9 the square of the square of the cube of the cube of (3) or (7)(3) or 7 3 6(9) or 6 9 or or 8(2) or (8)2 ½(14) or (½)14 7(2) or 2(7) or  3 or 3  9 2  6 or 6  2 5 / 9 or 9 / or 5(2) or 5 2 3(13) or 13(13)(13) or 13 3

E. M. D. G. A. O. F. K. J. H.