When working word problems, students should be looking for key words or phrases that will help them decide whether to add, subtract, multiply, or divide.  During school, we teach the children to underline the question, circle key words and important numbers.  Below are some of those key words or phrases that we look for in problems.

Addition

add

altogether

both

in all

sum

total

combined

additional

increase

 

Subtraction

difference

fewer

how many more

how much more

left

less than

minus

change

decrease

Words ending in “er”: longer, shorter, taller, heavier, faster,slower, etc.

 

Multiplication

times

product

twice

each

 

Division

 

quotient

divide evenly or equally

equal pieces

shared

each in the question