Primary school students often find math problem sums to be one of the trickiest parts of the syllabus. While many can handle basic calculations, applying those concepts to word problems presents an entirely different challenge. The complexity lies in interpreting the question correctly and translating it into mathematical operations. Yet, many of the errors children make in this area are surprisingly consistent and avoidable.
Learning to navigate these problem sums not only improves math proficiency but also builds everyday life skills. Understanding these common pitfalls is the first step toward mastering problem sums with greater confidence.
Misreading or skipping important information
One of the most frequent mistakes students make when solving problem sums is not reading the question carefully. They might gloss over key details or misunderstand what is being asked. For example, a question might state: “Ali had 3 times as many marbles as Ben. After giving away 10 marbles, how many does Ali have left?” A student may ignore the “after giving away” part and work only with the initial values.
To avoid this, students must be trained to slow down and read each question more than once, highlighting important numbers and terms. This step alone can prevent a large proportion of careless mistakes.
Misidentifying keywords and relationships
Problem sums often use phrases like “more than,” “less than,” “altogether,” or “left.” Each of these has a different implication, and failing to interpret them accurately can lead to the wrong equation being formed.
For instance, when the word “altogether” is used, students may wrongly think subtraction is required, especially if the question involves a comparison. The ability to discern what the question is asking comes with practice, and this is where primary math tuition can be particularly helpful. Professional tutors often teach students to identify keywords and link them to the appropriate mathematical operations.
Jumping into calculations too quickly
Another major error is when students rush to compute the answer without first planning their steps. They may pick out numbers from the question and immediately add, subtract, multiply, or divide without considering whether those operations make sense in context.
Strong problem-solving requires structured thinking. Students should be encouraged to:
1. Understand the context
2. Visualise the problem (e.g., through bar models)
3. Plan their steps
4. Then proceed to calculate
Using bar models is especially useful in the Singapore Math approach and is often underutilised by students who are eager to find answers quickly.
Neglecting to label units or include final answers
Even when the calculations are done correctly, many students lose marks simply because they forget to include the correct units or write a proper final sentence to answer the question. This is more common during exams when time pressure sets in.
A question may ask, “How many apples did John have at first?” but a student might only write “20” without specifying “20 apples.” Others forget to answer the actual question and leave out concluding statements.
These details are crucial and can make a significant difference in overall performance. Parents and educators should reinforce this habit early on.
Over-reliance on memorised methods
While it’s essential for students to learn various problem-solving techniques, some rely too heavily on templates or model answers they’ve memorised. This approach works only when questions follow familiar patterns, but not when the problems are structured differently.
For example, a child who always assumes a “difference” question requires subtraction might be stumped when a similar question involves the concept of “before and after” or involves multiple variables. Instead of understanding the logic behind the method, they fall back on guesswork.
To build true mathematical thinking, students should be exposed to a variety of question types and taught why certain methods work — not just how.
Not checking their work
It’s a habit even adults forget, but reviewing one’s work is critical in catching avoidable errors. After completing a problem sum, students should be trained to go back and double-check:
- Did they answer the correct question?
- Did they perform the right operation?
- Is the unit included?
- Does the answer make sense?
Developing a consistent self-check routine can significantly improve accuracy and confidence in solving complex sums.
Lack of understanding in language comprehension
Many math problems at the primary level require strong English comprehension. If a student struggles with understanding the phrasing of the question, they may not even reach the point of doing the maths. Words like “thrice,” “difference,” “remainder,” or “more than” can be confusing without proper vocabulary support.
Math and English are not isolated subjects — students need good language skills to excel in math problem sums. Parents should take note if their child frequently misunderstands word problems and consider strengthening their comprehension skills alongside mathematical practice.
Inconsistent practice and lack of exposure to challenging questions
Finally, math problem-solving is not something that can be mastered overnight. It requires regular practice with a wide variety of question types. Students who only work on standard textbook problems may find themselves overwhelmed when faced with complex or multi-step questions during exams.
Challenging and non-routine questions test a student’s ability to think critically and apply concepts in new contexts. This is an area where students benefit from guidance by experienced educators, such as those at Ace Academia, who are familiar with MOE standards and can prepare students beyond the school curriculum.
Conclusion
Math problem sums can be daunting for many primary school students, but the good news is that most common mistakes are entirely preventable. With the right guidance, consistent practice, and proper techniques, students can learn to approach these problems with confidence and clarity.
Ace Academia offers support for students at every level, with guidance from ex-MOE teachers who understand what it takes to succeed. If you’re looking to strengthen your child’s problem-solving skills and build a strong foundation in mathematics, Ace Academia can help set them on the right path.
