1. **Understanding the problem:** Read the word problem carefully to identify what is being asked. 2. **Identify key information:** Look for numbers, units, and keywords that indicate mathematical operations (e.g., total, difference, product). 3. **Translate words into math:** Convert the words into mathematical expressions or equations using variables. 4. **Set up an equation:** Use the information to write an equation that represents the problem. 5. **Solve the equation:** Perform algebraic steps to find the value of the unknown. 6. **Check your answer:** Substitute your solution back into the problem to ensure it makes sense. **Important tips:** - Keywords like "sum" mean addition, "difference" means subtraction, "product" means multiplication, and "quotient" means division. - Break down complex sentences into smaller parts. - Draw diagrams if it helps visualize the problem. By practicing these steps, you can better understand and solve math word problems effectively.