2-4 Word Problems
Key Concepts
1. Understanding Word Problems
Word problems are mathematical problems presented in a narrative form. They require you to read and understand the problem, identify the relevant numbers and operations, and then solve the problem using arithmetic.
2. Identifying Key Information
In word problems, you need to identify the key pieces of information, such as the numbers involved and the operations required (addition, subtraction, etc.). This helps in setting up the problem correctly.
3. Setting Up the Problem
Once you have identified the key information, you need to set up the problem mathematically. This involves writing down the numbers and the operations in a way that makes sense for solving the problem.
4. Solving the Problem
After setting up the problem, you perform the necessary arithmetic operations to find the solution. This step requires careful calculation and attention to detail.
Detailed Explanation
Understanding Word Problems
Word problems are like little stories that involve numbers. For example, "John has 5 apples and he gets 3 more apples. How many apples does he have now?" This is a word problem that involves addition.
Identifying Key Information
In the example above, the key information is that John starts with 5 apples and gets 3 more. The operation required is addition.
Setting Up the Problem
To set up the problem, you write it mathematically: 5 (apples John starts with) + 3 (apples he gets) = ?
Solving the Problem
Now, you perform the addition: 5 + 3 = 8. So, John has 8 apples now.
Examples
Example 1: Subtraction Word Problem
Sarah has 10 cookies and she eats 4 cookies. How many cookies does she have left?
Key Information: Sarah starts with 10 cookies and eats 4.
Setting Up: 10 (cookies Sarah starts with) - 4 (cookies she eats) = ?
Solving: 10 - 4 = 6. So, Sarah has 6 cookies left.
Example 2: Addition Word Problem
Tom has 7 marbles and his friend gives him 5 more marbles. How many marbles does Tom have now?
Key Information: Tom starts with 7 marbles and gets 5 more.
Setting Up: 7 (marbles Tom starts with) + 5 (marbles he gets) = ?
Solving: 7 + 5 = 12. So, Tom has 12 marbles now.
Analogies
Analogy 1: Like a Storybook
Think of word problems as little stories in a storybook. Each story has characters (like John or Sarah) and events (like getting more apples or eating cookies). Your job is to find out what happens at the end of the story by doing some math.
Analogy 2: Like a Puzzle
Word problems are like puzzles. You need to find the pieces (numbers and operations) and put them together correctly to solve the puzzle. Once you do, you find the answer, just like solving a puzzle.