Explore The Key Words Used In Maths Word Problems
Mathematics can be quite a challenging and difficult subject for some children to learn. It involves the study of numbers, shapes, patterns, and the relationships between them.
As children grow up, however, they go from the simple problems to the more difficult problems which are worded out in the English language.
These problems are called Math word problems and involve an everyday situation where a numerical question arises. The problem is then solved using basic mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division following the BODMAS rule.
There is a simple trick to solve these problems. If you are tutoring or teaching a child how to tackle and understand these word problems in mathematics, you should know these tricks and assist them accordingly. So what are these tricks? Let’s take a look at them through the lens of Matharoo.
How to Solve Maths Word Problems?
Solving a word problem in mathematics involves “translating” the problem written in simple English into a mathematical expression. Then the child needs to proceed to solve that mathematical expression. For instance, take this problem:
Q. I have 20 cupcakes and Maggie gives me 4 more. How many cupcakes do I now have?
The way to solve this question is to look at the key words here. The key word in this question is the word “more”. It indicates to us that the question is about “increasing” the number of cupcakes that we have at present. When we do a simple increase, the operator we use is addition. Do you see how simple that was? Now all you have to do is add the “4 more” to the “20 cupcakes” you have at present.
Just by using the right key words, we can break down a mathematical problem posed in English into an arithmetic expression and solve it.
The various key words for addition are: add, altogether, in all, combine, larger, larger than, perimeter, sum, increase, in total, and plus.
Key words for Subtraction
The various key words for subtraction are: difference, decrease, changed by, how much less, gave away, minus, remains, shorter than, and less.
Key words for Multiplication
The key words for multiplication are: cubed, doubled, tripled, area, product, and times.
The key words for division are: average, divide, each, equal groups, a fourth, a quarter, half, split, share, quotient, ratio, and third.
If you want your child to excel in these mathematical word problems, why not try maths word problems from Matharoo? It’s the ideal platform for your child to learn the basics of word problems and work out what they’ve learned with the platform's many worksheets.
Children will also be prepped and ready for NAPLAN. Children can also grow their critical skills and their reasoning and logical skills.
Students will receive the Matharoo worksheet on a Saturday afternoon via mail and can proceed to work out the sums in the evening.
The word problems are designed exclusively for the Australian culture.
