Addition Word Problems

Introduction

Addition word problems require us to interpret a situation described in words and express it mathematically. They often involve real-life scenarios where we need to find the total of combined quantities.

Steps to Solve Addition Word Problems

1. Read the problem carefully: Understand what is being asked.
2. Identify the numbers to be added: Look for keywords that indicate addition (e.g., total, combined, together).
3. Write an equation: Use the identified numbers to form an equation.
4. Solve the equation: Perform the addition to find the answer.
5. Check your work: Ensure that the answer makes sense in the context of the problem.

Example Problem

Problem: Sarah has 5 apples, and John gives her 3 more apples. How many apples does Sarah have now?

Step 1: Identify the numbers to be added

• Sarah's apples: 5
• John's apples given: 3

Step 2: Write the equation

The equation will be:

$$5 + 3 = ?$$

Step 3: Solve the equation

Now, add the two numbers:

$$5 + 3 = 8$$

Step 4: Conclusion

Sarah now has 8 apples.

Key Questions

• What keywords indicate that we should use addition?
• How do we identify the quantities involved in the problem?
• What steps should we follow to ensure we solve the problem correctly?

Keywords

• Addition
• Word Problems
• Equation
• Total
• Solve