What is your first reaction when you see word problems in math? To be honest, it can make even the most confident student want to run in the other direction! Especially when you are taking a test and have answered a bajillion multiple-choice questions! Then boom here comes the word problems and the first response is usually an IDK!
Let’s change our feelings towards word problems in math once and for all!
Since I just had to mention taking tests, hurry and grab my 7 effective test-taking strategies for any math test here ⬇️
What are Word Problems in Math?
So what exactly are word problems in math? You might also know them as open-ended problems or constructed response questions as well.
These problems usually involve in-depth thinking to formulate the equation and answer. They aren’t the basic plug and chug version of what students are used to in a homework assignment or test. Did you ever notice how the word problems always come at the end of the assignment?
This is because word problems are designed to be the heart and soul of your understanding of the application of the math that you just learned.
These problems are most likely a real-world scenario where you have to APPLY the learning and understand what you just methodically did for multiple problems.
For example, You are learning how to solve systems of equations. You may solve a problem such as:
x + y = 14
2.5x + 1.25y = 25
You would pick your method to solve and then find x and y. We could take this same problem and turn it into a word problem such as:
Jalynn bought watermelons and cantaloupes from the Farmer’s Market for a summer picnic party she is having for her neighbors. She bought 14 pieces of fruit and spent $25. Watermelons cost $2.50 each and the cantaloupes cost $1.25 each. Write a system of equations to model the problem. Then solve the system algebraically. How many watermelons and cantaloupes did Jalynn buy?
So most times, students’ brains automatically go, umm I don’t know how to do this and then they write the dreaded IDK on their papers!
How to do Word Problems in Math
After students stop freaking out when they see the words, then they have to understand how to solve the problem.
There are many methods out there for solving word problems in math and I included my tried and true method in this post: 5 Easy Steps to Solve Any Word Problem in Math
Having students write down what they are being asked to do, circle any keywords, or underline important information can help students make sense of the word problem.
Once students understand what they are being asked to do, then they can start solving word problems.
How to Solve Algebraic Word Problems
It may sound easy enough because solving word problems with algebra is my favorite thing to do as a secondary math teacher.
When I was in college, our professor challenged us to solve 5-word problems without using Algebra, and let me tell you it was difficult! I struggled because I wanted to put my variables into action!
The first thing I like to help my students with is identifying the independent and dependent situations to help you understand what variables you can assign to them.
Once you have your variables assigned, then you can make a formula or equation to continue to solve the word problem.
In the word problem above, watermelons and cantaloupes are both independent, but the cost of each depends on the amount that you spent.
So we can Let x represent: number of watermelons and let y represent: number of cantaloupes
Since we bought a total of 14 pieces of fruit we can make our first equation: x + y = 14 and our second equation: 2.5x + 1.25y = 25 since watermelons were $2.50 and cantaloupes were $1.25 and she spent $25 total.
Since we have 2 variables we need 2 equations to solve. This will lead to systems of equations.
How to Answer Word Problems in Math
Answering word problems in math require 2 simple parts. 1 is obviously the answer and the other is units. What does your number represent? You do not want any naked numbers!
For our word problem above, our answer would be Jalynn needs to buy 6 Watermelons and 8 Cantaloupes.
Examples of Word Problems in Math
Do you need more word problem examples for your classroom? I have an entire unit on solving systems of equations with word problems in the lessons and homework! Check it out here!
Steps for Solving Word Problems in Math
The number one math aid I like to give my students is the SOLVE method:
Here are my 5 easy steps to SOLVE any word problem in math:
- S – State the objective
- O – Outline your plan
- L – Look for Key Details – Information
- V – Verify and Solve
- E – Explain and check your solution
I love displaying this in my room on my bulletin board to help students remember that word problems are not scary and they just take a little more effort and thought! There is also a template that students can use every time they solve word problems. This template is perfect for students that need help organizing their work.
Grab the Problem-Solving Bulletin Board/Math Journal Set here:
I also go in-depth on increasing students confidence with solving word problems in this post:
How to Improve your Students’ Confidence with Problem Solving Skills in Math
Want to see the SOLVE method in action? I have a FREE problem-solving workshop that you can watch ASAP here:
Word Problems Math Help
Why are we so worried about word problems in math when it comes time for homework or a test. Well, most times students are needing help because they haven’t been exposed to enough problems during class where they feel comfortable answering them on their own.
This is why doing word problems in math first is a must-try strategy that you can start implementing today! I always tell my students to do the word problems first! Also, you can try to do the word problems in your lesson plan first or start class with a problem of the day.
I know it seems like a no-brainer, but maybe you have never thought of it like that. I know I didn’t. When my test scores weren’t the best, just this simple act alone raised my standardized test scores tremendously!
Here are 3 reasons why you should have your students do word problems first:
- These questions require short answers and are not multiple choice. If students do these first, then their brains are not as tired as when they get to them at the very end of the test.
- Constructed Response questions make up the vast majority of the points on the standardized test. In my state, they are worth at least ⅔ of the entire test. Doing these problems first ensures that your students will gain more points when it is the first thing that they do.
- Constructed Response questions usually take more time for students to do. When students complete these problems first, they are least likely to rush through them when they see that their other peers are “finished.”
Want more word problems in math information? Here are 3 articles I found that will be an awesome read when you have time!
Strategies for Solving Word Problems
Increase Engagement with Problem of the Day for Math
Translating Word Problems: Keywords
What other questions do you have about word problems in math? I would be happy to help! Reply with a comment and let’s chat!
Love, Robin
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