For many students, word problems are one of the trickiest parts of maths. They often contain more words than numbers, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure about where to start. But there’s a simple strategy that can make a big difference: underline the key words.
Why Key Words Matter
Word problems are like little stories with a hidden maths question inside. The key to solving them often lies in the language used. Certain words or phrases act as clues, pointing you toward the correct operation — whether it’s addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
For example:
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Total, sum, or altogether usually suggest addition.
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Difference, how many more, or left usually suggest subtraction.
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Each, per, or groups of often indicate multiplication.
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Shared, split, or divided among suggest division.
By underlining these words, students can focus their attention on what the question is really asking — instead of getting distracted by the rest of the sentence.
A Simple but Powerful Habit
Let’s look at a quick example:
“Each pen costs $3. How much would 5 pens cost in total?”
👉 Key words to underline: Each, 5 pens, total
Right away, those underlined words tell us this is a multiplication problem:
5 × $3 = $15
This technique works across all year levels. In upper primary, it helps with comprehension and confidence. In high school, it saves time during exams and helps avoid common mistakes.
Make It Part of Your Problem-Solving Routine
Encourage your child or students to build the habit of reading the question once, then re-reading it while underlining the key parts. It’s a small step, but it can make a big difference in understanding and solving problems accurately.
When students know what to look for, word problems become less of a mystery — and more of a challenge they’re ready to tackle.
Quick Tip: Keep a list of common clue words on hand when studying or revising. Over time, they’ll become second nature!
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