Not every number in a word problem is needed for the calculation. Sometimes one is missing, too.
Here's how:
1. Read the question. What do you have to find out?
2. Look for the numbers you need. Write a number that has nothing to do with the question under "Don't need".
3. If a number you need is missing, you cannot calculate. Then check "Something is missing".
Example: Lena is 9. She buys 3 notebooks at 4 dollars each. Her age is not needed: 3 × 4 = 12.
Example
Max is 8. He has 25 marbles and gets 12 more. How many does he have now? 37 (you don't need 8)
A cinema has 9 rows. How many seats does the cinema have? Missing: how many seats there are in one row
For parents
What does this exercise practice?
Read word problems carefully, spot numbers that are not needed and notice when a problem cannot be solved because something is missing.
Common pitfalls
Many children calculate with every number in the text, even the age or the time. Ask what each number belongs to.
How to practice at home
While shopping, ask a math question and add a number that is not needed. Does your child find it?