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Solving maths problems

Part of Mathematics and NumeracyProblem solvingYear 4

How to solve maths problems

Maths problems are usually written in words and often have more than one step.

You might not be able to work them out in your head.

You need to work in steps to find the answer:

A boy in a wheelchair thinking about maths problems.

Step 1 - Read through the problem carefully to work out how to solve the problem.

Step 2 - Find out what answer the problem is asking for.

Step 3 - Work out the calculation for the first step of the problem.

Step 4 - Work out the calculation for the second step of the problem.

Step 5 - Work out the final answer and check it makes sense.

A boy in a wheelchair thinking about maths problems.
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Activity: How to solve maths problems

Complete this interactive activity to learn how to solve maths problems. Then put your knowledge to the test.

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How to solve maths problems

Let's look at using these steps to solve this problem:

40 children are inside at after school club. Half of those children go outside to play. Then 9 more go outside.

How many children are left inside?

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  1. A boy holds a sign saying with 'Step 1' written on it.

    Step 1

    Read through the problem.