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Steps in Solving Word Problems (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division) – Grade 3
What Are Word Problems?
Word problems are math problems written in sentences that describe real-life situations. To solve them, students need to understand the problem, identify important information, choose the correct math operation, and find the solution.
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
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Read and understand a word problem.
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Identify key information and determine which operation to use (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division).
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Solve the problem step by step.
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Check the answer for accuracy.
Steps to Solve Word Problems
1️⃣ Read the Problem Carefully – Understand what the question is asking.
2️⃣ Identify Important Information – Look for numbers and keywords.
3️⃣ Choose the Right Operation – Decide whether to add, subtract, multiply, or divide.
4️⃣ Write a Math Equation – Convert the word problem into a number sentence.
5️⃣ Solve the Equation – Perform the calculation carefully.
6️⃣ Check Your Answer – Ensure the solution makes sense in the given context.
Examples of Word Problems
🔹 Addition Example:
Problem: Emma has 24 pencils, and her friend gives her 18 more. How many pencils does she have in total?
✅ Step 1: Identify the numbers (24 and 18).
✅ Step 2: The word “more” suggests addition.
✅ Step 3: Write the equation: 24 + 18 = ?
✅ Step 4: Solve: 24 + 18 = 42
✅ Step 5: Emma has 42 pencils in total.
🔹 Subtraction Example:
Problem: A farmer had 50 apples. He sold 32. How many apples are left?
✅ Step 1: Identify the numbers (50 and 32).
✅ Step 2: The word “left” suggests subtraction.
✅ Step 3: Write the equation: 50 – 32 = ?
✅ Step 4: Solve: 50 – 32 = 18
✅ Step 5: The farmer has 18 apples left.
🔹 Multiplication Example:
Problem: A bakery sells 6 cupcakes per box. If a customer buys 4 boxes, how many cupcakes did they buy?
✅ Step 1: Identify the numbers (6 and 4).
✅ Step 2: The word “per” suggests multiplication.
✅ Step 3: Write the equation: 6 × 4 = ?
✅ Step 4: Solve: 6 × 4 = 24
✅ Step 5: The customer bought 24 cupcakes.
🔹 Division Example:
Problem: There are 36 candies, and 6 children want to share them equally. How many candies does each child get?
✅ Step 1: Identify the numbers (36 and 6).
✅ Step 2: The word “share equally” suggests division.
✅ Step 3: Write the equation: 36 ÷ 6 = ?
✅ Step 4: Solve: 36 ÷ 6 = 6
✅ Step 5: Each child gets 6 candies.
Fun and Practice Activities
WORKSHEET(S)
