1. Solving Word Problems
Look for the clues!

2. How Do I Solve a Word Problem?
To solve a word problem, follow these steps:
1.) Highlight clue words.
2.) Use the clue words to help you choose an operation.
3.) Write an equation to represent the problem and solve it.

3. split into equal groups
What are clue words?
Clue words are words that give you hints about which operation you will be using.
Can you think of any others to add?
Subtraction
Addition
fewer
how many were left?
more
altogether
in all
less than
decrease
increase
Multiplication
Division
each
altogether
divided by
in each
times
split into equal groups

4. He started with 29 stickers and then gave 13 away: 29-13 = 16 stickers
Solving Word Problems
Derek bought 29 stickers. He gave 13 stickers to his sister. How many stickers does Derek have left?
Read the word problem and write down any clue words you see.
gave 13 stickers & have left? = subtraction
Now write an equation to represent the problem and solve it:
He started with 29 stickers and then gave 13 away: = 16 stickers

5. Solving Word Problems
Robin’s class takes a field trip to the museum. There are 116 exhibits that are
split equally among 4 rooms. How many exhibits are in each room?
Read the word problem and write down any clue words you see.
split equally among = division
Now write an equation to represent the problem and solve it:
There are 116 exhibits split evenly into 4 rooms:
116 ÷ 4 = 29 exhibits in each room

6. Max has 45 stamps and Orlando has 17 more than that:
You Try...
Max and Orlando collect stamps. Max has 45 stamps. Orlando has 17 more stamps than Max. How many stamps does Orlando have?
Read the word problem and write down any clue words you see.
more = addition
Now write an equation to represent the problem and solve it:
Max has 45 stamps and Orlando has 17 more than that:
45+17 = 62 stamps

7. Jenny bought 9 packages with 5 pairs in each:
You Try...
Jenny bought 9 packages of socks. Each package had 5 pairs of socks. How many socks did Jenny buy altogether?
Read the word problem and write down any clue words you see.
each package & altogether = multiplication
Now write an equation to represent the problem and solve it:
Jenny bought 9 packages with 5 pairs in each:
9x5=45 socks

8. 108 students distributed evenly among 3 buses:
You Try...
The class is going on a field trip to the zoo. There are 108 students and 3 buses. If there are an even number of students on each bus, how many students will be on each bus?
Read the word problem and write down any clue words you see.
even number of students on each bus = division
Now write an equation to represent the problem and solve it:
108 students distributed evenly among 3 buses:
108 ÷ 3= 36 kids on each bus

9. Howard collected 67 rocks and Jeremiah collected 14 fewer(less):
You Try...
Howard and Jeremiah were collecting rocks outside. Howard collected 67 rocks. Jeremiah collected 14 fewer rocks than Howard. How many rocks did Jeremiah collect?
Read the word problem and write down any clue words you see.
fewer = subtraction
Now write an equation to represent the problem and solve it:
Howard collected 67 rocks and Jeremiah collected 14 fewer(less):
67-14= 53 rocks

10. Closure What are clue words?
How do clue words help you solve a word problem?
What are the steps to solving a word problem?