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Problem Solving - Word problems involving multiple steps

Grade 4IGCSE

Review the key concepts, formulae, and examples before starting your quiz.

🔑Concepts

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Identifying the Question: Reading the problem carefully to understand what needs to be solved.

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Information Extraction: Circling numbers and underlining key information required for the calculation.

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Operation Selection: Deciding which operations (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division) are needed and in what order.

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The CUBES Strategy: Circle numbers, Underline the question, Box keywords, Evaluate steps, Solve and Check.

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Multi-step Logic: Breaking down a complex problem into smaller, manageable parts.

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Units of Measurement: Ensuring all units (like grams/kilograms or cents/dollars) are consistent before calculating.

📐Formulae

Total Cost=Quantity×Unit Price\text{Total Cost} = \text{Quantity} \times \text{Unit Price}

Change=Amount Given−Total Cost\text{Change} = \text{Amount Given} - \text{Total Cost}

Total Amount=Part 1+Part 2+Part 3\text{Total Amount} = \text{Part 1} + \text{Part 2} + \text{Part 3}

Remaining=Total−Spent/Used\text{Remaining} = \text{Total} - \text{Spent/Used}

Group Size=TotaláNumber of Groups\text{Group Size} = \text{Total} \div \text{Number of Groups}

💡Examples

Problem 1:

Leo bought 4 packs of stickers. Each pack had 12 stickers. He gave 15 stickers to his sister and shared the rest equally among 3 friends. How many stickers did each friend get?

Solution:

Step 1: 4×12=484 \times 12 = 48 total stickers. Step 2: 48−15=3348 - 15 = 33 stickers left. Step 3: 33÷3=1133 \div 3 = 11 stickers per friend.

Explanation:

First, find the total number of stickers using multiplication. Second, subtract the stickers given away. Finally, divide the remainder by the number of friends.

Problem 2:

A baker made 150 cupcakes. He sold 80 cupcakes in the morning. In the afternoon, he made 40 more cupcakes. How many cupcakes does he have now?

Solution:

Step 1: 150−80=70150 - 80 = 70 cupcakes remaining. Step 2: 70+40=11070 + 40 = 110 cupcakes.

Explanation:

This is a two-step addition and subtraction problem. Subtract the sold cupcakes from the initial amount, then add the new cupcakes baked in the afternoon.

Problem 3:

Maya has 50.Shebuys3notebooksfor50. She buys 3 notebooks for 6 each and a pencil case for $12. How much money does she have left?

Solution:

Step 1: 3×6=183 \times 6 = 18 dollars for notebooks. Step 2: 18+12=3018 + 12 = 30 dollars total spent. Step 3: 50−30=2050 - 30 = 20 dollars left.

Explanation:

First, calculate the cost of multiple items (multiplication). Then, find the sum of all purchases (addition). Finally, subtract the total spent from the starting amount to find the change.