Choosing the Right Operation
Learn to decide whether to add, subtract, multiply, or divide.
🎯 What You'll Learn
You will learn how to read a word problem and decide which operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division) to use.
🏪 Market Story
Amina faces four different problems at the market. She needs to pick the right tool for each one — just like choosing the right tool from a toolbox. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are her four maths tools!
📝 Let's Learn
Here's how to choose:
- Addition (+): Use when combining, joining, or finding the total. Key words: altogether, total, in all, combined, sum.
- Subtraction (−): Use when taking away, finding the difference, or finding what's left. Key words: left, remain, change, difference, less, fewer.
- Multiplication (×): Use when you have equal groups. Key words: each, every, per, times, groups of.
- Division (÷): Use when sharing equally or making groups. Key words: share, divide, split, per item, each gets.
Example 1: "Emeka buys 5 oranges at ₦10 each." → Equal groups → Multiply: 5 × ₦10 = ₦50.
Example 2: "Bola has ₦100 and spends ₦35." → Taking away → Subtract: ₦100 − ₦35 = ₦65.
Example 3: "₦60 is shared among 3 children." → Sharing equally → Divide: ₦60 ÷ 3 = ₦20.
✏️ Practice Questions
- Tunde has 25 marbles and Chidi has 18. How many do they have together? (Which operation?)
- Funke buys 4 pens at ₦15 each. How much does she pay? (Which operation?)
- ₦80 is shared equally between 2 sisters. How much does each get? (Which operation?)
Click to see answers
- Addition. 25 + 18 = 43 marbles.
- Multiplication. 4 × ₦15 = ₦60.
- Division. ₦80 ÷ 2 = ₦40 each.
💡 Remember
Read the problem carefully and look for clue words. "How many altogether" = add. "How much is left" = subtract. "Each costs" = multiply. "Share equally" = divide.