How to Solve IGCSE Maths Word Problems
Word problems are where many Malaysian students lose unnecessary marks. The maths itself is often straightforward — the challenge is translating English into algebra and knowing when you have found what the question actually asked for.
Read Twice, Highlight Once
Read the whole question before writing anything. On the second read, highlight or underline every numerical value and every quantity the question asks you to find. Most word problem errors trace back to answering a different question from the one asked.
Tips
- Circle the final question — 'find the value of x', 'hence find the speed'
- Underline all given numerical data
- Check whether units are consistent — km vs m, hours vs minutes
Define Variables Explicitly
Write 'Let x = ...' before any equation. Students who skip this step write equations that are technically correct but whose variables mean different things in different lines — losing follow-through marks when the examiner cannot decode the working.
Tips
- Define every variable, not just the main unknown
- Include units in your definition: 'Let x = speed in km/h'
- If the question uses a letter already, use a different one to avoid confusion
Form the Equation
Translate each sentence of the word problem into a mathematical relationship. 'A is 5 more than B' becomes A = B + 5. 'The total is 100' becomes your two expressions summed to 100.
Tips
- Write the verbal relationship in words before writing algebra
- 'Twice as many' = × 2; 'half as much' = ÷ 2; 'three less than' = − 3
- Ratio problems: write each part as a fraction of the total, not as separate variables
Check Your Answer Makes Sense
After solving, substitute back into the word problem — not just the algebra. A negative age or a speed of 0.003 km/h suggests an error. Spend 30 seconds on this check for every word problem.
Tips
- Re-read the original question and confirm your answer addresses it
- Check that your answer has the correct units
- For inequalities, verify a value in the solution set and one outside it
Key Takeaways
- Always define variables explicitly before forming any equation
- Check your final answer against the original problem context, not just the algebra
- Most word problem marks are earned through clear, labelled working — not the final number
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Book a Free TrialFrequently Asked Questions
Why do I keep making mistakes in word problems even though I understand the maths?
Usually it's a translation error — misreading 'A is 3 less than B' as A = B − 3 vs B = A − 3. Slow down on the equation-forming step, write the verbal relationship first, then translate it.
How much time should I spend on a 6-mark word problem?
Allow about 12 minutes for a 6-mark word problem on Paper 4. If you're stuck after 5 minutes, write as much working as you can, circle it, and come back at the end.
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