For many students, word problems are the point where math suddenly feels impossible. It’s not that they can’t do Algebra. Most of the time, it’s because word problems feel like riddles written in a foreign language.
But here’s the good news: once you know the secret to breaking them down, word problems stop being scary and start being straightforward.
Why Word Problems Feel Impossible
When a student sees something like, “Two trains leave the station…” or “Sara has $5 more than twice what Ben has…” their brain freezes. Why?
Because word problems are really two problems in one:
- The Reading Problem.
Before you can do any math, you have to figure out what the words are saying. Who has what? What’s moving? What’s being asked? - The Math Problem.
Once you’ve translated the words into numbers and equations, it’s just Algebra.
The mistake most students make is skipping straight to the math part without doing the translation first. That’s why they end up lost, confused, and frustrated.
The real secret to word problems is learning how to translate the story into math before trying to solve it.
The 3-Step Breakdown Method
Here’s a simple process your teen can use for any word problem.
Step 1: Identify what’s being asked.
Highlight the question. What is the problem actually wanting you to find? Is it time, distance, money, or something else?
Step 2: Translate words into math.
Look for keywords:
- “Total,” “sum,” “altogether” → addition.
- “Difference,” “how many more” → subtraction.
- “Twice,” “per,” “rate” → multiplication.
- “Split evenly,” “ratio,” → division.
Step 3: Set up and solve the equation.
Once it’s written in math form, it’s no longer a riddle — it’s just Algebra.
Solved Example 1 – The Classic Train Problem
“Two trains leave the station at the same time. One goes 50 mph, the other 60 mph. How long until they’re 30 miles apart?”
Step 1: Identify what’s being asked.
They want the time.
Step 2: Translate into math.
We know distance = rate × time. The faster train is pulling away from the slower train at a rate of 10 mph (60 – 50).
Step 3: Set up and solve.
Equation: 60t–50t=30
10t=30
t=3
✔ Answer: They’ll be 30 miles apart in 3 hours.
Notice how there was no guessing — just clear steps.
Solved Example 2 – A Money Problem
“Sara has $5 more than twice what Ben has. Together they have $29. How much does each have?”
Step 1: Identify what’s being asked.
We’re solving for the amount each person has.
Step 2: Translate into math.
Let Ben = x. Then Sara = 2x+5. Together: x+(2x+5)=29
Step 3: Set up and solve.
Equation: 3x+5=29
Subtract 5: 3x=24
Divide: x=8
✔ Answer: Ben has $8, and Sara has $21.
Why This Method Works
When students try to guess or skip steps, they get stuck. When they follow the 3-step breakdown method, word problems stop being a mystery.
This approach builds confidence, saves time, and makes problem-solving something they can actually enjoy.
Want More Help?
Word problems don’t have to be the end of the road for your teen in Algebra. With the right process, they can break them down step by step and finally feel confident with math.
That’s why in our Algebra 1 course, we go deeper into word problems and give students guided practice with the exact strategies we’ve outlined here.
👉 Check out the full Algebra 1 course here.
Because once word problems stop being scary, Algebra starts making sense.
And coming soon, we’re releasing a Word Problem Toolkit — a printable PDF guide you can keep by your teen’s side while they work. It includes the step-by-step breakdown, keyword cheat sheet, and extra practice problems with answers.
