How to Tackle Math Word Problems Step by Step

Why Word Problems Feel So Hard

Math word problems strike fear into the hearts of students everywhere. But here's the secret: they follow predictable patterns. Once you learn to recognize these patterns, word problems become much more manageable.

The CUBES Strategy

Use the CUBES method to break down any word problem:

C - Circle the numbers
U - Underline the question
B - Box the key words (total, difference, each, per, etc.)
E - Evaluate what steps to take
S - Solve and check

Step 1: Read the Problem Twice

First read: Get the general idea. Don't try to solve anything yet.

Second read: Identify:

What information is given?
What are you trying to find?
Are there any hidden clues?

Step 2: Identify Key Words

Math word problems contain signal words that tell you what operation to use:

Addition signals:

Total, sum, altogether, combined
Increased by, more than, plus

Subtraction signals:

Difference, less than, fewer
Decreased by, remaining, left over

Multiplication signals:

Times, product, of
Each, every, per (often means multiply)
Double, triple

Division signals:

Quotient, per, each
Split, shared equally, divided

Step 3: Translate Words to Math

Here's the key insight: word problems are just math equations written in English. Your job is to translate.

Example: "Sarah has 3 times as many apples as Tom. Tom has 5 apples. How many apples does Sarah have?"

Translation:

"3 times as many" → multiply by 3
"Tom has 5 apples" → 5
Sarah's apples = 3 × 5 = 15

Step 4: Set Up the Equation

Always define your variables clearly:

Let x = what you're trying to find
Write the equation using the relationships from the problem

Example: "A rectangle's length is 4 more than twice its width. The perimeter is 44. Find the dimensions."

Let w = width
Length = 2w + 4 (4 more than twice width)
Perimeter = 2(length) + 2(width) = 44
2(2w + 4) + 2w = 44

Step 5: Solve and Check

After solving, always check your answer:

Does it make sense in context?
Did you answer the actual question asked?
Plug your answer back into the original problem

Common Word Problem Types

Rate Problems

"If a car travels at 60 mph, how far does it go in 2.5 hours?"

Formula: Distance = Rate × Time D = 60 × 2.5 = 150 miles

Percent Problems

"A jacket originally costs $80. It's on sale for 25% off. What's the sale price?"

Method: Original × (1 - discount rate) $80 × 0.75 = $60

Age Problems

"Maria is twice as old as Juan. In 5 years, Maria will be 1.5 times Juan's age. How old are they now?"

Let Juan = x, Maria = 2x In 5 years: 2x + 5 = 1.5(x + 5) Solve for x

Mixture Problems

"How many liters of 20% acid solution must be added to 10 liters of 50% acid solution to get 30% acid solution?"

Set up: 0.20(x) + 0.50(10) = 0.30(x + 10)

Practice Makes Perfect

The more word problems you solve, the faster you'll recognize patterns. Start with simpler problems and work your way up.

Need help with a specific word problem? Try our AI math solver for step-by-step explanations tailored to your exact question.