Word Problems Teaching Resources
Browse math word problems and word problem worksheets created by teachers for teachers like you! This vast collection covers all four math operations with problem-solving tasks that allow students to apply their math skills to real-world problems!
From worksheets to task cards, this collection is full of Common Core math curriculum-aligned resources, ready for your classroom, your lesson plans and your students!
Curious about using word problems in your classroom? Read on for a primer from our teacher team, including a kid-friendly definition of the concept and tips to ensure your students succeed with word problems!
What Is a Word Problem? A Kid-Friendly Definition
No doubt you know the answer to this question, but would you know how to answer if a student asked? Here's a handy definition that you can use!
A word problem is a kind of maths problem that is presented in words instead of just numbers. Word problems require us to use our math skills to solve real-life scenarios or situations.
A word problem usually includes a question or a scenario that needs to be solved using one of the four math operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication or division.
How to Help Students Succeed With Word Problems
Word problems are a fantastic tool to help students build their problem-solving skills. So how do you set them up for success?
Our teacher team has a few tricks up our sleeves to ensure your students can translate their maths skills into real-world problem-solving situations.
1. Teach Key Word Problem Vocabulary
Word problems are full of, well, words that serve as cues for students to help them know which operations to apply. Make sure to explicitly teach students the words so they know the appropriate actions.
For example, if a student sees the term "take away" in a word problem, they should know that subtraction is involved. Here are just a few other key word problem vocabulary terms:
- How much
- Increased by
- How much longer
- Lost
- Remain
- Reduce
You may want to create anchor charts as a class with some of these keywords so students have a handy reference.
2. Hand Out Highlighter s
Teach students to work through a word problem and highlight or underline the important information (such as what is being asked for), while they cross out redundant information and other bits that are not necessary.
This can help them focus on the key points that matter.
3. Teach the CUBES Strategy
This handy strategy is a favorite among our teacher team (you'll even find CUBES resources on our site!). CUBES stands for:
- Circle all the numbers
- Underline the question
- Box the key words
- Evaluate and write the equation
- Solve & check
4. Practice Creating Word Problems As a Class
Before you hand already crafted word problems to your students to solve, why not work together as a class to create some?
Take regular addition or subtraction problems from the many worksheets on Teach Starter, and turn them into word problems together so students can reverse engineer the process. Students can also draw a picture to illustrate the problem.
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Addition and Subtraction Problem Solving Task Cards
Practice solving 1- and 2-step word problems by adding and subtracting 2-digit numbers with this set of 16 task cards.
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Math Word Problem Task Cards - Multiplication and Long Division
Solve multi-step multiplication and long division word problems with a set of printable math task cards.
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5th Grade Math Review – Test Prep Packet
Encourage your students to work through 8 pages of 5th-grade math problems while charting their progress to measure their success.
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Division with Models Worksheet
Complete 8 division word problems by representing dividends as numbers, pictures, and number sentences.
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Math Bowl - Mixed Operations Word Problem Game
Score a mathematical touchdown with by solving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division word problems with an exciting football math game.
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Roll to Create a Strip Diagram
A roll to create template for students to use when learning to use strip diagrams.
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Addition and Subtraction Word Problems - Match Game
Practice reading, modeling, and solving addition and subtraction word problems with a matching activity.
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Multi-Step Addition and Subtraction Word Problem Task Cards
Solve multi-step addition and subtraction word problems with a set of printable math task cards.
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Problem Solving Worksheet - Money
A problem solving worksheet involving money.
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Multiplication and Division Word Problems Task Cards (Facts of 2, 5, and 10)
Use a range of strategies to solve multiplication and division problems with 2, 5, and 10 times tables.
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2-Digit Subtraction Model Match-Up
Use a rigorous subtraction matching game to match subtraction word problems with number sentences, bar models, and solutions.
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Addition and Subtraction Mat - Apple Tree
Solve addition and subtraction problems up to 10 with a hands-on apple math center.
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Problem Solving - Multiplication and Division Worksheet
Practice solving word problems using one-step division and multiplication.
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Math Brainteaser Task Cards - Grades 3-5 (Version 2)
A set of 10 fun, problem-solving brainteasers for your students.
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Daily Math Problems - Grades 2-3
A 44-slide PowerPoint that includes 20 one and two-step word problems.
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Adding and Subtracting Within 10 - Word Problem Task Cards
Solve word problems practicing addition and subtraction to ten with a set of printable task cards.
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Basketball Math- Interactive Slides
Tame the March “Mathness” by solving problems and analyzing data with an exciting basketball-themed interactive activity.
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Addition and Subtraction Word Problem Task Cards - (Numbers 1-9)
Use a range of addition and subtraction strategies to solve twenty single-digit word problems.
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Multiplication and Division Word Problem Task Cards (Facts 1-12)
Use a range of strategies to solve multiplication and division problems for times tables facts 1-12.
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Multiplication and Division Word Problems Task Cards (2-Digit by 1-Digit)
Use a range of strategies to solve 2-digit by 1-digit multiplication and division problems that exceed the facts of the 12 times tables.
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Multiplication Match-Up Puzzles
A match-up activity to assist students in understanding multiplication word problems.
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Math Keywords for Problem Solving
Help your students decipher math word problems with a set of printable math keyword anchor charts.
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3-Act Math Tasks - Time Conversion Worksheets
Practice problem-solving skills and time conversions with a printable pack of 3 Act Maths Task worksheets.
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Perimeter Practice Problems With Visuals – Worksheet
Download these perimeter practice problems to use when exploring measurement concepts in your math lessons.
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Strip Diagram (Bar Model) Poster Pack
Help your students solve problems using the four operations with a pack of printable strip diagram anchor charts.
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Addition and Subtraction Work Mat
Practice addition and subtraction concepts daily with a printable work mat for students.
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Basketball Math- Mixed Operations Worksheet
Practice multiplication, division, fractions, and problem-solving skills with a high-interest basketball-themed math task
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Soccer Stories - Problem Solving Worksheets
Practice multiplication, division, and problem solving skills with a high-interest soccer-themed scenario activity.
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Mixed Perimeter Word Problems Worksheet
Use this perimeter word problems worksheet to give your students practice calculating the perimeter of shapes.
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Same Perimeter, Different Area Word Problems – Worksheet
Practice solving multi-step word problems involving objects that have the same perimeter but different areas.
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Perimeter Word Problems Worksheet
Get students solving real-life perimeter word problems with a printable worksheet for 3rd and 4th grade.
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Multi-Step Problem Solving Worksheet
Solve a multi-step problem and explain the mathematical reasoning behind the process with this simple assessment worksheet.