Key Words in Math Word Problems

What does the word 'half' mean in a math word problem?

• To multiply by two.

• To add one.

• To divide.

• To subtract one.

What operation do you use when you see the word 'difference' in a math word problem?

• You add.

• You multiply.

• You subtract.

• You divide.

What does the word 'each' mean in a math word problem?

• addition

• subtraction

• multiplication or division

• exponentiation

You know the total but you DO NOT need equal groups. What do you do?

• Add

• Multiply

• Subtract

• Divide

What does the phrase 'in total' mean in a math word problem?

• To subtract

• To multiply

• To add

• To divide

What does the phrase 'left over' mean in a math word problem?

• It often indicates addition.

• It often indicates multiplication.

• It often indicates subtraction.

• It often indicates division.

What does the word 'sum' mean in a math word problem?

• The result of subtraction.

• The result of addition.

• The result of multiplication.

• The result of division.

You do not know the total and you NEED equal groups. What do you do?

• Add

• Divide

• Multiply

• Subtract

The word each with the words total, in all, or altogether means to ....

• Add

• Multiply

• Subtract

• Divide

You do not know the total and you DO NOT need equal groups. What do you do?

• Add

• Multiply

• Subtract

• Divide