Introduction: Why Word Problems Matter in Maths

Word problems often make students feel nervous or confused, even if they’re good at calculations. That’s because these problems test not just your maths skills, but also your reading, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.

In exams like KS3 or GCSE Maths, word problems pop up across various topics—fractions, ratios, algebra, geometry, and more. By learning how to break down these problems, you’ll be better prepared to score marks consistently and avoid silly mistakes.

Let’s dive into practical strategies, worked examples, and tips to help you solve any maths word problem step by step.

Common Types of Word Problems in School Maths

01. Addition and Subtraction Word Problems

Example: Sarah had 80 sweets. She gave 35 to her friends. How many does she have left?
Solution: 80 – 35 = 45 sweets

02. Multiplication and Division Word Problems

Example: A pack of pencils contains 6 pencils. How many pencils are there in 5 packs?
Solution: 6 × 5 = 30 pencils

03. Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages

Example: A pizza was divided into 8 slices. John ate 3/8 of the pizza. How many slices did he eat?
Solution: 3 slices

04. Ratio and Proportion

Example: If 3 apples cost £1.20, what is the cost of 6 apples?
Solution: Double the quantity → £1.20 × 2 = £2.40

05. Algebra-Based Word Problems

Example: Ben is 3 years older than Sam. The total of their ages is 21. Find Sam’s age.
Solution: Let Sam = x → Ben = x + 3 → x + x + 3 = 21 → 2x = 18 → x = 9

06. Geometry and Measurement Word Problems

Example: The perimeter of a rectangle is 20 cm. Its length is 6 cm. What is its width?
Solution: 2(6 + w) = 20 → 6 + w = 10 → w = 4 cm

Step-by-Step Strategy to Solve Any Word Problem

Step 1: Read the Question Carefully

Don’t rush. Read the problem twice to make sure you understand the situation. Underline key numbers or phrases. A-Level Chemistry Basics

Step 2: Identify the Key Information

Ask yourself:

• What do I know?
• What do I need to find?
• Are there hidden clues?

Step 3: Choose the Right Operation

Is it addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, or a combination? Keywords can help:

Keyword	Operation
Total, altogether, more	Addition
Left, difference, fewer	Subtraction
Times, product, groups	Multiplication
Share, each, divided by	Division

Step 4: Write the Equation

Convert the words into a maths sentence. Use symbols (+, –, ×, ÷) where appropriate. Learn What Is a Food Chain?

Step 5: Solve and Check Your Answer

Do the calculation carefully. Re-read the question to check:

• Is your answer sensible?
• Did you answer what was asked?

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes in Word Problems

• Don’t ignore units. Always include £, cm, kg, etc.
• Label your answers. e.g., “The answer is 14 apples.”
• Check your work. Most mistakes come from small calculation errors.
• Use diagrams to visualise the problem, especially in geometry.
• Practise regularly. Familiarity helps reduce panic during exams.

How to Translate Words into Mathematical Operations

This is often where students struggle. Here’s a cheat sheet:

Word Phrase	Maths Translation
“More than”	Addition
“Less than”	Subtraction
“Twice as much”, “Double”	Multiply by 2
“Half of”, “Share equally”	Divide by 2 or number given
“Increase by 10%”	Multiply by 1.10
“Decrease by 25%”	Multiply by 0.75

Word Problem Examples with Solutions

KS2 Example

Emma has £5. She buys a toy for £3.50. How much money does she have left?
Solution: £5 – £3.50 = £1.50

KS3/GCSE Example

A recipe needs 2.5 cups of flour. How many cups are needed for 3 recipes?
Solution: 2.5 × 3 = 7.5 cups

Conclusion

Word problems don’t have to be scary. Once you learn to decode them, you’ll realise they follow predictable patterns. By practising the step-by-step approach, looking for key phrases, and showing your working, you’ll feel more confident tackling even the most complex GCSE and KS3 maths questions. Enrol for Online Tutoring UK with LTSchool

FAQs About Solving Word Problems

1. Why are word problems so difficult?

They combine reading, comprehension, and maths. Once you learn to break them down, they get easier.

2. How can I get better at word problems?

Practise regularly, use step-by-step methods, and don’t skip over diagrams.

3. Are there keywords that hint at which operation to use?

Yes—words like ‘altogether’ suggest addition, while ‘how many left’ suggests subtraction.

4. Should I show working in word problems?

Absolutely. You’ll often get marks even if the final answer is wrong.

5. Can drawing help in solving word problems?

Yes, especially for geometry, fractions, and ratios.