A word problem describes a mathematical situation in ordinary language rather than symbols. Solving one means translating the words into an equation, solving it, and checking the answer against the original wording.
Math Dictionary / Word Problem
Word Problem
A word problem describes a math situation using words instead of only symbols.
Problem SolvingGrade 3Grade 4Grade 5Grade 6Grade 7Grade 8GEDSATACT
What it means
To solve one, identify the question, choose the operation or equation, and check that the answer makes sense.
Also called: story problem, real-world problem
Examples
| A price-and-discount question |
| A distance-rate-time question |
| A geometry question about fencing a garden |
Common mistake
Do not grab the first number and start calculating. Read what the question is asking first.
Try one
Question: What should you identify first in a word problem?
Show answer
Identify what the problem is asking you to find.