Word Problems with Number Words for Grade 4

Understanding Word Problems

Word problems are math puzzles presented in everyday language. They help us apply math to real-life situations. Sometimes, these problems use number words (like "twelve" or "thirty-five") instead of digits (like "12" or "35").

Learning to solve word problems with number words will help you:

  • Improve your reading comprehension
  • Develop critical thinking skills
  • Connect math with real-world situations
  • Become comfortable switching between number words and digits

Step-by-Step Problem Solving Strategy

Follow these steps to solve word problems that contain number words:

  1. Read the problem carefully at least twice.
  2. Identify the number words and convert them to digits.
  3. Underline the question being asked.
  4. Determine what operation(s) to use (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division).
  5. Solve the problem step-by-step.
  6. Check your answer to make sure it makes sense.

Helpful Tip!

Sometimes a word problem might contain both digits and number words. Make sure to convert all number words to digits before solving the problem.

Example Word Problems

Addition Problem

Mason collected twenty-three seashells on Monday and thirty-five seashells on Tuesday. How many seashells did he collect in total?

Solution:

  1. Convert number words to digits: twenty-three = 23, thirty-five = 35
  2. Identify the question: How many seashells in total?
  3. Operation needed: Addition (collecting more seashells means adding)
  4. Solve: 23 + 35 = 58

Answer: Mason collected 58 seashells in total.

Subtraction Problem

Mrs. Johnson's class had forty-two students. If sixteen students were absent on Friday, how many students were present?

Solution:

  1. Convert number words to digits: forty-two = 42, sixteen = 16
  2. Identify the question: How many students were present?
  3. Operation needed: Subtraction (removing absent students from total)
  4. Solve: 42 - 16 = 26

Answer: 26 students were present on Friday.

Multiplication Problem

There are five tables in the cafeteria. If each table has eight students sitting at it, how many students are in the cafeteria?

Solution:

  1. Convert number words to digits: five = 5, eight = 8
  2. Identify the question: How many students in total?
  3. Operation needed: Multiplication (same number of students at each table)
  4. Solve: 5 × 8 = 40

Answer: There are 40 students in the cafeteria.

Division Problem

Noah has twenty-four marbles. He wants to share them equally among six friends. How many marbles will each friend receive?

Solution:

  1. Convert number words to digits: twenty-four = 24, six = 6
  2. Identify the question: How many marbles per friend?
  3. Operation needed: Division (sharing equally)
  4. Solve: 24 ÷ 6 = 4

Answer: Each friend will receive 4 marbles.

Clue Words in Word Problems

Certain words in problems can help you figure out which operation to use:

Addition Clue Words:

sum, total, in all, together, more, increased by

Subtraction Clue Words:

difference, how many more, how many less, remain, left over, decreased by

Multiplication Clue Words:

product, times, multiplied by, twice, of, every, each

Division Clue Words:

shared equally, divided by, per, average, each, quotient

Practice Problems

Try solving these word problems on your own:

1. Emma had fifteen colored pencils. Her mother gave her twelve more colored pencils for her birthday. How many colored pencils does Emma have now?

2. There are thirty-seven students in the playground. Twenty-two of them are playing soccer. How many students are not playing soccer?

3. Each page of Jack's sticker book has six stickers. If the book has nine pages, how many stickers are there in total?

4. Sarah has forty-eight apples. She wants to pack them equally into eight bags. How many apples will be in each bag?

5. William read fourteen pages on Monday, eighteen pages on Tuesday, and twenty-three pages on Wednesday. How many pages did he read in all?

Tips for Success

Remember These Helpful Hints:

  • Draw pictures or diagrams to help visualize the problem.
  • Always convert number words to digits before doing calculations.
  • Estimate your answer first to check if your final answer is reasonable.
  • Reread the problem after finding an answer to make sure you've answered the right question.
  • Practice recognizing clue words to help identify which operation to use.