Math word problems. Just the phrase alone can make your head spin, right?
If you’ve ever watched your child struggle through sums that seem to go in circles, you’re not alone.
Many primary school students find word problems confusing — and it can be just as frustrating for you, too.
The good news? With the right approach and a few simple strategies, problem sums become far easier to tackle — for both you and your child.
In this article, we’ll break down how to solve problem sums step by step, share practical math problem solving strategies, and guide you through effective tips for sums problem solving.
Let’s help you turn confusion into confidence.
Problem Solving Skills: Why They Matter in Exams and Real Life
Let’s be real — math word problems aren’t just for passing exams. They build critical thinking, logical reasoning, and the ability to connect math concepts with real-life situations.
Whether it’s figuring out how much change you’ll get at a hawker centre or how long it’ll take to get home if you miss the MRT, these skills matter.
But the real challenge? Word problems don’t just test your math — they test your understanding of the question itself. They mix words with numbers, and that’s where things get tricky.
So how do you tackle them without panicking?
7 Effective Tips for Problem Sums That Actually Work
Here are seven tips for problem sums that every student (and parent) should know. These strategies are especially useful for primary math problem solving and can be applied across levels.
1. Read the Problem Slowly — More Than Once
It might sound simple, but many students rush through the question and miss key details. Read it twice, or even three times. Focus on:
What is being asked?
What information is given?
Are there different quantities, same amounts, or internal transfers involved?
Example:
Ali has $120 more than Ben. Ben has $60 more than Carol. If the total amount is $600, how much does Ben have?
Without reading carefully, you might jump into solving without realising it’s a comparison problem involving more than two people.
2. Identify Keywords and Important Information
Certain words give clues about what operation you need to use. These include:
- Altogether, in total → Addition
- Difference, how many more → Subtraction
- Each, equal groups → Multiplication or division
- Left, remaining → Subtraction or a comparison
Circle or underline them. Highlight key numbers. This helps your brain process what’s important.
3. Understand the Context Before Jumping In
A major reason why students struggle is that they try to solve without understanding the context. Ask yourself:
- Does the story make sense?
- Is this about money, time, length, or something else?
- What is the unit of measurement?
If you can explain the story in your own words, you’re already halfway there.
4. Visualise with Model Drawing
In Singapore math, model drawing is one of the most powerful tools. Drawing bars, units, or diagrams helps visualise relationships, especially in problems involving:
- Same amount given or taken
- Transfers between two or more people
- Part-whole relationships
Example:
Tom has 3 times as many marbles as Jerry. If they have 120 marbles altogether, how many does Jerry have?
By drawing a model with 3 boxes for Tom and 1 box for Jerry, you can easily divide and find the right answer.
5. Choose the Right Strategy (Even if It’s Working Backwards)
Sometimes, the fastest way to a solution isn’t straight ahead — it’s working backwards.
Strategy options include:
- Guess and check
- Working backwards
- Drawing a table or chart
- Using equations or algebra (for upper primary or secondary)
- Breaking the problem into smaller parts
Try different ways to solve a problem and see what works best for you.
6. Do a Sense Check: Does Your Answer Make Sense?
Once you’ve found the solution, don’t stop there.
- Does it make sense in the context of the problem?
- Is the number too big or too small?
- Did you answer what the question actually asked?
Always go back to the question and double-check. A careless mistake can cost you marks even if your method was correct.
7. Practice With Real Exam Questions
There’s no better way to master math problem sums than with practice — especially word problems taken from past year papers or mock exams.
Look out for questions involving:
- Money and change
- Time and duration
- Internal transfers (e.g., A gives to B, how much left?)
- “Same amount” or equal distribution
- Part-whole relationships
Practicing these common types helps students recognise patterns and apply the right method quickly.
Understanding Problem Types – Not All Word Problems Are the Same!
Not all word problems follow the same pattern. Recognising the type of mathematical problem helps students pick the right strategy. Here are some common types, especially in primary school:
1. Comparison
These involve comparing quantities, often using phrases like “more than,” “less than,” or “times as many.”
Example:
A has 2 times as many marbles as B. If B has 6, how many does A have?
Use multiplication and bar models to show the relationship.
2. Transfer
These problems involve something being moved, given, or shared.
Example:
A has 12 sweets and gives 4 to B. How many does A have now?
Track the change with before-and-after thinking or bar models. This is a key part of the problem solving process.
3. Part-Whole
Here, a total is split into parts or parts are combined to form a whole.
Example:
A and B have $240. A has $150. How much does B have?
Use addition or subtraction, and model drawings to show the parts clearly.
4. Rate & Time
These involve formulas and units—usually seen in upper primary or secondary.
Example:
A car travels 120 km in 2 hours. What’s its speed?
Use the formula: Speed = Distance ÷ Time.
5. Algebra
These include unknowns (like x) and are great for P6 and above.
Example:
Tom and Jerry have 48 stickers. Tom has x, so Jerry has (48 – x).
Translate the story into an equation—a valuable step in solving more advanced mathematical problems.
How Parents and Teachers Can Guide Students
You don’t need to be a maths wizard to support your child. What matters most is guiding them to think clearly about the problem.
Instead of giving answers, encourage them to explain their thinking, draw it out, and focus on what the question is really asking.
Prompting with simple questions like “What do you already know?” or “Can you show it another way?” helps build confidence and independence.
Praise their effort and reasoning, not just the correct answer—this is what truly develops strong problem solvers.
Unlock Your Child’s Problem Solving Power
At The Nuggets Academy, we know that solving problem sums isn’t just about formulas — it’s about understanding.
Our tutors are trained to:
✅ Break down complex problems into easy-to-follow steps
✅ Teach model drawing and logical reasoning in a way that clicks
✅ Guide students through different ways of solving problems so they build flexibility in thinking
✅ Identify common error patterns and fix them early
Whether your child struggles with math concepts, lacks confidence, or just needs extra support to improve their grades, we’re here to help.
We don’t just teach math — we help students understand, think, and apply.
Ready to Help Your Child Master Problem Sums?
Problem solving doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right guidance and strategies, your child can approach math word problems with clarity and confidence.
Contact us today and find out how The Nuggets Academy can support your child’s learning journey!