Studyfin
✨ Sign up free
Hi! I am Studyfin, your tutor. Today we will learn how to solve word problems using the four basic operations!
Word problems are like mini-stories with a math puzzle inside. To solve them, we need to read carefully and find our clues.
We look for action words. 'In all' or 'total' often means we add. 'Left over' or 'how many more' usually means we subtract.
For groups, 'each' can mean we multiply to find a big total. If we share equally, we divide to find the group size.
Many problems have two steps. We solve the first part to get a number. Then we use that number to solve the final question.
✏️ Worked example
Sam has 4 boxes of crayons. Each box holds 8 crayons. He gives 10 crayons to his sister. How many crayons does Sam have left?
- Find the total number of crayons Sam starts with. Since there are 4 boxes with 8 crayons each, we multiply: 4 times 8.
- Calculate 4 x 8 = 32 crayons.
- Now, subtract the crayons he gives away. He gives away 10 crayons.
- Subtract 10 from 32: 32 - 10 = 22.
- Sam has 22 crayons left.
Want the full interactive lesson — quiz, animations, and Finn cheering them on?