Key Words in Math Word Problems
Helping our kids solve math word problems during homework can be a daunting task for many parents.
In this article we are trying to give you and your child a specific list of key words found in math word problems that will tell you what function is required. To make math word problems less daunting start asking them story questions when your child is young. For example: My 4 year old has to take a snack to share at school and he chooses pretzels. We decide to give each classmate 5 pretzels. I ask him, how many pretzels will we need to buy to make sure everyone has 5 pretzels for snack. We then open the bag of pretzels and count out sets of 5 for every child in his class. Therefore, we need to pack a total of 45 pretzels for the 9 children in his class. This story problem can be used in various ways as children get older and the questions get more difficult. But, having had the practice of talking it through for a long time will make the task of solving math word problems less daunting.
When do you ADD? When do you SUBTRACT?
Sum Less Than
Plus More Than
In All Change
When do you MULTIPLY? When do you DIVIDE?
Product Divide Evenly
As Much Equal Pieces
Twice Out of
Practice, practice, practice! Practice in conversation, practice on paper. The best way to remember what the key words are telling you to do in math word problems, is to practice!