When you first read a multi-step word problem, what is the absolute first thing you should do?
Read the entire problem carefully from beginning to end to understand the full situation before trying to solve anything.
After reading the problem, what is the most important piece of information to identify?
Find the actual question being asked. It's often at the very end of the problem and tells you what you need to figure out.
What does it mean to "find the necessary information" in a word problem?
It means to pull out all the numbers or data points given in the text that you will need to use to solve the problem.
What are "signal words" or "keywords" in a word problem?
They are words that give you clues about which mathematical operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division) you might need to use.
What are some common signal words for ADDITION?
Words like "total", "in all", "altogether", "sum", "combined", and "plus" often signal that you need to add.
What are some common signal words for SUBTRACTION?
Words like "how many are left", "difference", "fewer than", "minus", and "take away" often signal that you need to subtract.
What are some common signal words for MULTIPLICATION?
Words like "times", "product", "each" (when you have multiple groups of the same size), and "of" (as in a fraction of a number) can signal multiplication.
What are some common signal words for DIVISION?
Words like "split equally", "share", "per", "average", and "out of" can signal that you need to divide.
What is a "hidden question" in a multi-step problem?
It's a question you must answer first to get a number you need for the next step. For example, you might need to find a subtotal before you can find the final answer.
Why is making a plan or drawing a picture a good strategy for solving multi-step word problems?
It helps you organize the steps you need to take and visualize the problem, making it easier to see the hidden questions and the path to the final answer.
Once you have a plan with multiple steps, what should you do?
Solve each step one at a time, in the correct order. Write down the answer from each step, as you will likely need it for the next one.
