Mathematics
Grade 7
15 min
Add, subtract, multiply, or divide two whole numbers: word problems
Add, subtract, multiply, or divide two whole numbers: word problems
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the key information and question in a word problem involving two whole numbers.
Determine the correct mathematical operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division) required to solve a given word problem.
Translate word problems into numerical expressions or equations.
Accurately perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division with two whole numbers to solve word problems.
Check the reasonableness of their answers in the context of the word problem.
Articulate the steps taken to solve a word problem.
Ever wonder how math helps you figure out how many cookies to bake for a party or how much change you'll get back? 🍪 Let's unlock the power of numbers in everyday stories!
In this lesson, you'll learn how to b...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Whole NumbersThe set of non-negative integers (0, 1, 2, 3, ...). These are the counting numbers and zero, without fractions or decimals.If you have 5 apples, 5 is a whole number. You can't have 5.5 apples.
Word ProblemA mathematical problem presented in a narrative or story format, requiring you to extract numerical information and determine the correct operation to find a solution.Sarah had 12 pencils and bought 5 more. How many pencils does she have now?
OperationA mathematical process such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division, performed on numbers.In '5 + 3', '+' is the operation of addition.
KeywordsWords or phrases within a word problem that often indicate which mathematical operation to use.'Total' often sugge...
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Core Formulas
The 4-Step Problem-Solving Strategy
1. Understand the Problem. 2. Make a Plan. 3. Carry Out the Plan. 4. Look Back/Check.
This strategy helps you systematically approach any word problem. First, identify what's given and what's asked. Then, decide which operation(s) to use. Next, perform the calculations. Finally, ensure your answer makes sense in the context of the problem.
Keywords for Addition and Subtraction
Addition keywords: total, sum, in all, altogether, combined, increased by, plus, added to, more than. Subtraction keywords: difference, how many left, how many more, decreased by, minus, less than, take away, remain.
These keywords are clues to help you choose the correct operation. For example, if a problem asks for the 'total' number of items, y...
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Challenging
A problem gives you the total number of students in a school (950) and the number of students in the band (75). Which of the following questions could be answered by calculating 950 - 75?
A.How many students are in the school but not in the band?
B.If the band is split into 5 groups, how many are in each group?
C.What is the total number of students and band members?
D.How many more students are in the school than in the band?
Challenging
A company needs to ship 5,600 products. They can use small boxes that hold 25 products each or large crates that hold 200 products each. To solve this problem, what must you first determine before choosing an operation?
A.The total weight of the products.
B.Whether you need to find a total amount or an amount per group.
C.The color of the boxes.
D.The final destination of the shipment.
Challenging
According to the 4-Step Problem-Solving Strategy, what is the critical difference between the 'Make a Plan' step and the 'Carry Out the Plan' step?
A.'Make a Plan' is about doing the calculation, and 'Carry Out the Plan' is about checking the answer.
B.'Make a Plan' is about reading the problem, and 'Carry Out the Plan' is about writing the answer.
C.'Make a Plan' is about choosing the operation, and 'Carry Out the Plan' is about performing the calculation.
D.There is no difference; the steps are the same.
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