10 Strategies for Solving Word Problems
Master word problems by understanding the question, using the CUBES method, and showing your work.
Author
Tess Loucka
Published:
May 2026
Key takeaways
- • The most important part of a word problem is the question. Make sure you know what it’s asking!
- • Use the CUBES method to analyze the word problem before finding the solution.
- • Don’t be afraid to make your paper messy. It’s always beneficial to show your work.
Word problems are tricky! They can be full of complex scenarios, confusing units, and unnecessary data placed there just to trap you.
But on the other hand, word problems are an amazing tool for practicing math in a real-world context, giving you realistic scenarios and challenging not only your math skills but your problem-solving skills and imagination too!
No matter how you feel about them, there are certain strategies you can use to make solving word problems easier.
Want to know how to solve word problems? Let’s go over 10 simple strategies you can use to make the process easier.
1. Identify the operation
Solving a word problem means first identifying what the problem is asking in terms of numbers and operations. You can’t solve a word problem if you don’t know whether you’re supposed to add, subtract, multiply, or divide!
So, read through the problem carefully and pay attention to key words such as “sum” or “total” for addition, “difference” or “more/less” for subtraction, “product” or “area” for multiplication, and “out of” or “split equally” for division.
2. Rephrase the question in your own words
Once you’re able to rephrase the word problem using your own words, you have officially understood it. And you can’t correctly solve a word problem without understanding it!
Always take the time to read through the problem carefully until you are confident that you know what it says and what it’s asking you.
3. Draw a picture or diagram
It’s impossible to solve a word problem if you don’t understand what’s going on in the scenario described. If you’re confused about the scenario, draw it out!
Remember, nobody is expecting you to be the next Michelangelo—your drawings can be simple! Basic shapes or stick figures will do, as long as it helps you better visualize the problem.
4. Act out the scenario
Similar to the previous strategy, this one allows you to better visualize the problem at hand.
When acting scenarios out, no need to put on a whole production! Simply thinking the scenario through and picturing yourself within it can help you better understand how to solve the problem.
5. Write a number sentence
Word problems can always be rewritten as number sentences or equations. When reading a word problem, pay attention to the data you’re given and consider how you could combine it into a helpful number sentence.
Don’t worry about getting the number sentence correct on the first try. Just get something down on paper—you can rework it after!
The next five strategies are part of the C.U.B.E.S. method, designed to help you avoid getting stuck when solving word problems.
Table of contents
6. C - Circle key information
While reading through the word problem, feel free to mark it up! Circle everything that seems important to you while reading, such as units and numbers.
7. U - Underline the question
The question in a word problem is the most important part! Underline it and reread it so you know exactly what to do.
8. B - Box any clues
Draw a box around anything else that seems important. These can be things like amounts or words associated with operations.
9. E - Eliminate the extra information
Many word problems offer information that isn’t actually needed to find the answer. Things like the names of places or people, background information, or unnecessary data can all be crossed out to prevent distraction.
10. S - Solve by showing your work
It’s better to have a messy paper and get the right answer than to have a perfectly neat piece of paper and get the wrong answer! Plus, showing your work is a great way to get your thoughts down on paper and work through them.
As you solve word problems, write things down and keep your notes organized.
To avoid feeling overwhelmed, focus on just two or three of these strategies at a time. Use them to solve a few word problems until you feel comfortable with them, then switch to two or three more.
Not every strategy will work for every student, or for every problem, so having a few strategies in your math toolbelt is a great way to ensure that you never get stuck on a word problem again!
The best way to get better at solving word problems is by practicing! For practice with word problems and other math skills, spend time exploring top rated math programs and websites that offer articles, games, and learning exercises that can boost your skills and confidence in the classroom.
About the Author
Tess Loucka
Tess Loucka discovered her passion for writing in high school and has not stopped writing since. Combined with her love of numbers, she became a math and English tutor, focusing on middle- and high-school-level topics. Since graduating from Hunter College, her goal has been to use her writing to spread knowledge and the joy of learning to readers of all ages.
