operations · Year 1 · AC9M1N05
One-step word problems
Read the story and picture what is happening. Joining or getting more means add. Taking away, giving away or spending means subtract. 'How many more' compares two amounts, so subtract. Equal groups mean multiply, and sharing equally or making groups of the same size mean divide. Do the calculation, then check that the answer makes sense in the story and say it with its unit, such as cents or apples.
Sample questions
Count the counters of each colour. How many counters are there altogether?
- Altogether means put the two groups together.
- Count the first colour: 4. Count the second colour: 4.
- 4 + 4 = 8.
- There are 8 counters altogether.
Answer: 8
Count the counters of each colour. How many counters are there altogether?
- Altogether means put the two groups together.
- Count the first colour: 1. Count the second colour: 2.
- 1 + 2 = 3.
- There are 3 counters altogether.
Answer: 3
Count the counters of each colour. How many counters are there altogether?
- Altogether means put the two groups together.
- Count the first colour: 7. Count the second colour: 2.
- 7 + 2 = 9.
- There are 9 counters altogether.
Answer: 9