Lesson 114: Math word problems

🧮 MATH (40 Lessons) • 🟠 E. Problem Solving & Projects

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Objective

I can solve math word problems using information from a story. I can think, choose, and explain my answer using words like more, less, equal, total, and idea.

Materials

Mini-lesson — Math word problems are stories

A math word problem is a story that uses numbers. You read the story, picture it in your mind, and decide what the story is asking you to find.

Steps to solve a math story

  1. Read the whole story slowly.
  2. Find the numbers and the question.
  3. Decide: Do I need to add (join, altogether, in all) or subtract (take away, left, fewer)?
  4. Write a number sentence (an equation) and solve it.
  5. Check: Does my answer make sense in the story?

Good math stories tell who, what, and how many. Your job is to show the math and explain your thinking.

Picture strip: Three simple math stories

Add / join story

Take away (subtract) story

Compare story (more / less)

Guided Practice — Solve a story with objects

You will use real objects to act out a math story. Then you will explain your solution in words and trace key thinking words.

  1. Choose a character (you, a friend, or a name).
  2. Use objects to show what they have.
  3. Then add or remove objects to match the story.
  4. Count the total.
  5. Explain how you know using a short sentence.
  6. Trace thinking words like solve, idea, equal, total.
Tracing Pad
Tracing snapshot for print
Tip: After tracing total, write a number sentence like 3 + 2 = 5 or draw a tiny picture to show how the story worked.

Practice 1 — Solve this word problem

[PLACEHOLDER PRACTICE 1]

Practice 2 — Solve this word problem

[PLACEHOLDER PRACTICE 2]

Practice 3 — Solve this word problem

[PLACEHOLDER PRACTICE 3]

Quick Check — Math word problems

Answer each question by thinking about the story, then choose the best answer.

1) Sam has 2 crayons and gets 1 more. What is the total?

2 + 1 = 3 total crayons.

2) A book has 4 pages, and you read 2. How many pages are left?

4 minus 2 leaves 2 pages left.

3) Mia has 5 stickers. She gives 2 to a friend. How many does she have now?

5 - 2 = 3 stickers left.

4) Which word helps show that we put numbers together?

More shows we add or join quantities.

5) Which word means the same amount?

Equal means the same amount.

6) Lina has 4 pencils. She finds 1 more. Which sentence matches the story?

The story adds 1 more.

7) There are 3 apples. Ana eats 2. How many are left?

3 - 2 = 1 apple left.

8) Which word helps us think about the final amount?

Total means the final amount.

9) 2 friends get 2 stickers each. What is the total?

2 each → 2 + 2 = 4 total.

10) Which word means to divide into equal parts?

Share means to divide fairly.

11) A problem says “less”. What might we do?

Less usually means subtract.

12) 3 friends each have 1 balloon. How many balloons altogether?

1 + 1 + 1 = 3 total.

13) Which word helps you think before solving?

Idea helps us form a plan.

14) Which shows that two sides are the same?

= means equal.

15) Why do we read word problems carefully?

Reading carefully helps you know what the story wants you to find.

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Exit ticket (student)

Next time I will practise…

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