What is happening in the problem?
You learn to describe what happens in a story as a calculation.
How to work it out
- Read the full problem.
- Choose addition for joining, subtraction for taking away or difference, multiplication for equal groups, division for sharing.
A worked example
In the story: Ana had 8 apples. She gave 3 to her friend. How many does she have left? What is the sum?
- In the story, Ana gives away 3 apples.
- That is: she had 8, gave away 3, and has 8 − 3 left.
Another example
In the story: Kai bought a book for 7 pounds and a pen for 3 pounds. How much did he spend in all? What is the sum?
- In the story Kai buys two things: a book (7) and a pen (3).
- That is: spent 7 + 3.
Watch out
You include all the words: Ana lives in a big house, the apples are red, she gave them yesterday.
For the sum you only need: Ana had 8, gave 3. The rest is not useful.
Tips
- Look for the action: who gets something, loses something or trades something.
Why it works
Not every word in a story is useful for a sum. You pick out what changes: someone earns, loses or trades something. The rest (colours, feelings, place) you leave out.