How To Solve Word Problems

Word problems are included in the Numerical Skills section of the Mathematics test.

Here is the biggest tip for studying word problems.

Practice regularly and systematically.

Word problems are a way of thinking and require you to translate a real world problem into mathematical terms.
Learning word problems helps you get better at thinking mathematically.

Studying word problems and math in general requires a logical and mathematical frame of mind.
It is critical that you practice word problems everyday for the 5 days before the exam as a bare minimum.You should get into a mathematical frame of mind.

The other critical point about word problems is that all the information given in the problem has some purpose. There is no unnecessary information! Word problems are typically around 50 words in 1 to 3 sentences. If the sometimes complicated relationships are to be explained in that short an explanation, every word has to count. Make sure that you use every piece of information.

Here are aomw simple steps to solve word problems.
Step 1 – Read through the problem at least three times.
The first reading should be a quick scan, and the next two readings should be done slowly to answer these important questions:
What does the problem ask? (Usually located towards the end of the problem)
What does the problem imply? (This is usually a point you were asked to remember).
Mark all information, and underline all important words or phrases.

Step 2 – Try to make a pictorial representation of the problem such as a circle and an arrow to show travel.
This makes the problem a bit more real and sensible to you.

Example: Distance or Speed 
Two boats travel down a river towards the same destination, starting at the same time. One boat is traveling at 52 km/hr, and the other boat at 43 km/hr. How far apart will they be after 40 minutes?  a. 46.67 km b. 19.23 km c. 6.4 km d. 14.39 km
Solution: C

After 40 minutes, the first boat will have traveled = 52 km/ hr x 40 minutes/60 minutes = 34.7 km
After 40 minutes, the second boat will have traveled = 43 km/hr x 40/60 minutes = 28.66 km
Difference between the two boats will be 34.7 km – 28.66 km = 6.04 km.

Multiple Choice Strategy
First estimate the answer. The first boat is traveling 9 km. faster than the second, for 40 minutes, which is 2/3 of an hour. 2/3 of 9 = 6, as a rough guess of the distance apart.
Choices A, B and D can be eliminated right away.