Word problems are real-life situations written in words.
We convert them into arithmetic expressions and solve them.
Steps to Solve Word Problems:
- Read carefully
- Identify the keyword (add, subtract, etc, )
- Write in expression
- Solve using BODMAS rules
Keywords to identify the operation:
| Positive \((+)\) | Negative \((-)\) |
| Deposit, Credit | Withdrawal, Debit |
| Above sea level | Below sea level |
| Profit, Gain | Loss, Debt |
| Increase, Rise | Decrease, Drop |
| Ascend, Up | Descend, Down |
Example:
Now, let us imagine a situation to compare two arithmetic expressions.
Rani and Karan are collecting coins. Rani had \(850\) coins. She found \(145\) more today. Karan had \(848\) coins, but today he found \(150\) coins. Who has more coins?
Let's write this question using arithmetic expression.
\(850 + 145\) ______ \(848 + 150\), Which is more?
Now, let's solve it.
Rani has \(850 + 150\) coins, which is \(848 + 2 + 145\) coins.
Karan has \(848 + 150\) coins, which is \(848 + 145 + 5\) coins. That is, he has \(3\) more coins than Rani.
Therefore, \(850 + 145 < 848 + 150\).