Problem Solving: Math Language in Action

Problem Solving: Math Language in Action

Year 5 Mathematics New Zealand Curriculum Understanding Mathematical Language

What is Mathematical Language?

Special words that help us describe math problems Numbers, symbols, and operations Precise words like 'sum', 'difference', 'product' Helps us communicate math ideas clearly

Math Language Detective

Read this problem: 'Sarah has 15 stickers. She gives 7 to her friend. How many stickers does Sarah have left?' Circle the math language words What operation do we need to use? Rewrite using math symbols

Key Math Language Words

Addition: add, plus, sum, total, altogether Subtraction: take away, minus, difference, left Multiplication: times, groups of, product Division: share, divide, quotient, groups

Everyday Words vs Math Words

{"left":"I bought 3 apples and 5 oranges\n3 + 5 = 8 pieces of fruit\nTom had 20 marbles and lost 8","right":"20 - 8 = 12 marbles remaining\nThere are 4 groups of 6 students\n4 × 6 = 24 students in total"}

Problem Solving Challenge

A bakery sells 45 cupcakes in the morning and 38 cupcakes in the afternoon. How many cupcakes did they sell altogether? What math language words can you find? What operation should we use? Show your working using math symbols

Create Your Own Problem

Choose a real-life situation Include mathematical language words Write it as a word problem Challenge a classmate to solve it

Problem Solving Steps

1. Read the problem carefully 2. Identify the math language words 3. Decide which operation to use 4. Write the number sentence 5. Solve and check your answer

Math Language in Action

Putting It All Together

Mathematical language helps us understand problems Key words tell us which operation to use Following steps makes problem solving easier Practice using math language every day