Word Problem Detectives: Finding Clues to Solve Math Problems!

Math Grades 1st Grade 6:13 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to be a word problem detective! This lesson helps you find hidden clues (keywords) in word problems to know if you need to add or subtract. Let's become math problem solvers!

Video Resource

Let's Explore Key Words & Clues to Solve Problems, Part A

Miacademy Learning Channel

Duration: 6:13
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Addition keywords
  • Subtraction keywords
  • Identifying clues in word problems

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify keywords that indicate addition in word problems.
  • Students will be able to identify keywords that indicate subtraction in word problems.
  • Students will be able to solve simple addition and subtraction word problems by recognizing keywords.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they ever feel confused when they read word problems. Explain that this lesson will teach them a trick to find hidden clues. Introduce the idea of being a 'word problem detective.'
  • Addition Keywords (10 mins)
    Watch the video segment on addition keywords (from the beginning to the first subtraction example). Pause the video and write the addition keywords on the board: some, more, in all, altogether, plus, combined, total, more than, increased. Discuss what each word means and give simple examples of how they're used in sentences.
  • Addition Practice (10 mins)
    Present simple addition word problems on the board, like: "There are 3 red apples and 2 green apples. How many apples are there *in all*?" Have students identify the keyword and then solve the problem. Repeat with different examples, emphasizing different keywords.
  • Subtraction Keywords (10 mins)
    Watch the video segment on subtraction keywords. Pause the video and write the subtraction keywords on the board: takeaway, fewer than, less than, difference, less, shared, gave away, decrease, change, left. Discuss what each word means and give simple examples of how they're used in sentences.
  • Subtraction Practice (10 mins)
    Present simple subtraction word problems on the board, like: "There are 8 cookies. You eat 2 cookies. How many cookies are *left*?" Have students identify the keyword and then solve the problem. Repeat with different examples, emphasizing different keywords.
  • Mixed Practice (10 mins)
    Present a mix of addition and subtraction word problems. Students must identify the operation needed based on the keywords and then solve. Encourage students to explain *why* they chose addition or subtraction.
  • Wrap Up (5 mins)
    Review the addition and subtraction keywords. Remind students that looking for clues can help them solve any word problem. Preview the concept of multiplication and division keywords, setting up Part B of the video series.

Interactive Exercises

  • Keyword Sort
    Write addition and subtraction keywords on index cards. Have students sort the cards into two piles: 'Addition Clues' and 'Subtraction Clues'.
  • Word Problem Creation
    Give students a number sentence (e.g., 5 + 3 = 8). Have them create their own word problem using addition keywords to match the number sentence.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it important to find clues in word problems?
  • Can you think of other words that might mean 'add'?
  • Can you think of other words that might mean 'subtract'?
  • How does knowing the keywords help you decide what to do?

Skills Developed

  • Reading comprehension
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Mathematical reasoning

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which word is a clue that you need to ADD?

Correct Answer: In All

Question 2:

Which word is a clue that you need to SUBTRACT?

Correct Answer: Left

Question 3:

There are 5 birds. 2 fly away. How many are LEFT? What should you do?

Correct Answer: Subtract

Question 4:

You have 4 crayons and get 3 MORE. How many do you have TOTAL? What should you do?

Correct Answer: Add

Question 5:

Which of these words means almost the same as 'add'?

Correct Answer: Plus

Question 6:

Which of these words means almost the same as 'subtract'?

Correct Answer: Left

Question 7:

Tim has 6 toy cars. He gives 2 away. Which word tells you to subtract?

Correct Answer: Gives

Question 8:

Sara has 3 books. Her mom gives her 4 more. Which word tells you to add?

Correct Answer: More

Question 9:

If a problem asks 'how many in all?' what should you do?

Correct Answer: Add

Question 10:

If a problem asks 'how many are left?' what should you do?

Correct Answer: Subtract

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The word 'total' is a clue to ________.

Correct Answer: add

Question 2:

The word 'left' is a clue to ________.

Correct Answer: subtract

Question 3:

If you see the word 'more than' in a problem, you should probably ________.

Correct Answer: add

Question 4:

If you see the words 'take away' in a problem, you should probably ________.

Correct Answer: subtract

Question 5:

The word 'plus' means the same as ________.

Correct Answer: add

Question 6:

The word 'less' is a clue to ________.

Correct Answer: subtract

Question 7:

'In all' means you need to ________.

Correct Answer: add

Question 8:

If something 'decreases', you ________.

Correct Answer: subtract

Question 9:

If John has 5 pencils and Mary gives him 2 ______, he has more pencils.

Correct Answer: more

Question 10:

Nine take away 3 is ________.

Correct Answer: subtract

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1:Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.D.8:Determine the unknown whole number in an addition or subtraction equation relating three whole numbers. For example, determine the unknown number that makes the equation true in each of the equations 8 + ? = 11, 5 = _ - 3, 6 + 6 = _.

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