For many JAMB candidates, word problems are the most confusing part of the Mathematics paper. You know how to solve equations, but once JAMB turns it into a short story, it suddenly becomes difficult to understand. The good news is, you don’t have to be afraid of word problems if you know the right steps to follow.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to approach word problems confidently, understand what JAMB is really asking, and solve them without confusion.
READ ALSO: How to Prepare for JAMB 2025 Mathematics and Pass with Ease
Why Word Problems Are So Common in JAMB
JAMB includes word problems because they want to test more than just your knowledge of formulas. They want to see if you can apply maths to real-life situations. These questions are used to test your reasoning skills, your understanding of the topic involved, and how well you can break a situation into steps.
The mistake many students make is trying to solve word problems like theory. But word problems need a calm mind, not cramming.
First, Read the Question Slowly and Carefully
Don’t rush. Most students lose marks just because they misread the question or missed a key detail. When you see a word problem, read it once to get a general idea. Then read it again, slowly, and try to understand what the question is really asking.
Look for numbers, keywords like “difference,” “total,” “how many,” or “left with,” and any hidden instructions. Every word is there for a reason.
Identify What You’re Asked to Find
In every word problem, there’s always a question. Don’t start solving until you’re sure what you’re supposed to find. Is it someone’s age? Is it the number of items left? Are you calculating cost, distance, or time?
Once you know what the problem wants, it becomes easier to set up your equation.
Translate Words Into Math Step by Step
Think of the question like a small story that needs to be turned into maths. For example, if the question says:
“A man is 5 years older than his son. If the sum of their ages is 45, find their ages.”
Instead of panicking, break it down:
- Let the son’s age be x.
- That means the father is x + 5.
- Their sum is 45: x + (x + 5) = 45.
That’s all. Now you’re dealing with a simple equation you can solve.
Don’t Let English Confuse You
Some word problems sound long or complicated just because of the way they are written. But deep down, most are based on topics like ratios, percentages, algebra, or distance-time.
Once you know the topic the question is based on, it becomes easier to know the formula or step to use. And if you don’t understand it at first, move on and come back later.
Practice Is the Only Way to Get Better
Word problems are not solved by reading theory alone. The only way to improve is to solve as many of them as you can. Start with past JAMB questions. You’ll notice that some question styles repeat over the years, just with different numbers.
When you practice regularly, you’ll begin to see that the patterns aren’t that hard after all.
Final Words
You don’t need to fear word problems in JAMB 2025. All you need is the ability to read carefully, understand what is being asked, and translate the information into a simple math equation. It takes patience, regular practice, and a calm mind.
Keep working on it one question at a time. If others can solve word problems and score high in JAMB, you can too.