When trying to identify the equation that can be used to solve a word problem, look for clue words that can indicate the operation to use.For instance, these types of words are commonly used for each operator:
Addition: sum, combined, altogether (e.g., the sum of 2 and 3 is 5)
Subtraction: difference, fewer, left, take away (e.g., 8 take away 3 is 5)
Multiplication: times, groups of, product, each (e.g., 3 groups of 4 is 12)
Division: split, shared, per, divided by (e.g., 12 split into 3 groups is 4)
