Key Words in Solving Word Problems
The following key words will help you determine which mathematical operation to use in order to solve the problem. When you see these keywords in the problem, you will have an idea what to do to solve it.
Add if you read... * Sum
* Total
* All together
* Plus
* In all
Subtract if you read... * Remainder
* Difference
* Less than
* Fewer
* How many more
* Minus
Multiply if you read... * Product
* Times
* Twice
* Total
* Multiplied by
* Each
Divide if you read... * Quotient
* Goes into
* Split equally
* Each
Add if you read... * Sum
* Total
* All together
* Plus
* In all
Subtract if you read... * Remainder
* Difference
* Less than
* Fewer
* How many more
* Minus
Multiply if you read... * Product
* Times
* Twice
* Total
* Multiplied by
* Each
Divide if you read... * Quotient
* Goes into
* Split equally
* Each