Topics / Maths
Worded problems
Worded problems hide the maths inside a story, and harder papers may include irrelevant information. The skill is translating words into operations, then checking the answer makes sense in the story.
What is tested
- Translating words into calculations
- Ignoring irrelevant information
- Units and rates (speed, cost per item, litres per km)
Worked example
Notebooks cost £1.20 each. Sam buys 15 notebooks and a £4 bag. What is the total?
- Notebooks: 15 × £1.20 = £18.
- Add the bag: £18 + £4 = £22.
Answer: £22
Exam-day checklist
- Read twice, underline the numbers and what each one means.
- Cross out information you do not need.
- Write the calculation in words before using numbers.
- Include units and check the answer is realistic.
Common mistakes
- Using a number that is a distractor.
- Doing the right calculation for the wrong quantity.
- Not answering in the units asked.
Try it yourself
1. A car uses 8 litres of petrol per 100 km. Petrol costs £1.50 per litre. What does a 250 km trip cost?
Show answer
£30
250 km uses 2.5 × 8 = 20 litres, and 20 × £1.50 = £30.
2. A coach has 52 seats and is 3/4 full. Each ticket costs £6. How much do the tickets bring in?
Show answer
£234
3/4 of 52 = 39 passengers, and 39 × 6 = £234.
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