How to Solve Word Problems in Math for High School Students

How to Solve Word Problems in Math for High School Students

Why Word Problems Matter for High School Students in BC

Many students in Burnaby and across British Columbia struggle with math word problems—not due to lack of math skills, but because they’re unsure how to interpret the text. At Dr. Shreyank Educare, we simplify the process by teaching step-by-step strategies, using BC curriculum-aligned examples. Whether you’re preparing for Pre-Calculus 11, Foundations of Math 10–12, or the Numeracy Assessment, mastering math word problems is a game-changer for academic success.


📘 Step-by-Step Solved Math Word Problems

🔺 Problem 1: Trigonometry – Angle of Elevation

Question: A lighthouse stands on top of an 80-meter cliff. From two boats at sea, the angles of elevation to the top are 20° and 35°, respectively. The boats are 300 meters apart. How far is the second boat from the cliff?

Solution:
Using right triangle trigonometry:
x = 80 / tan(35°) ≈ 114.3 m
Answer: Approximately 114.3 meters


➗ Problem 2: Algebra – Income Equation

Question: A student in Burnaby earns $15/hour tutoring. One week, they worked 4 hours more than the previous week. If they earned $495, how many hours did they work the first week?

Solution:
15x + 15(x + 4) = 495 ⇒ x = 14.5
Answer: 14.5 hours first week, 18.5 second week


📐 Problem 3: Geometry – Triangle Area

Question: A triangular park has sides of 70 m and 90 m with an angle of 75°. Find its area.

Solution:
Area = ½ × 70 × 90 × sin(75°) ≈ 3043.6 m²
Answer: Area ≈ 3043.6 m²


🧭 Problem 4: Navigation – Bearings & Law of Cosines

Question: Two hikers start from the same point. One walks 6 km north, the other 8 km at a bearing of S40°E. How far apart are they?

Solution:
d² = 6² + 8² − 2×6×8×cos(140°) ⇒ d ≈ 13.17 km
Answer: About 13.17 km


💵 Problem 5: Financial Math – Discounts & Tax

Question: A $120 jacket is on 25% off at a Burnaby store. Add 12% tax. What’s the final price?

Solution:
Price = 120 × 0.75 = $90 → Final = 90 × 1.12 = $100.80
Answer: $100.80


🎯 Who Should Practice These Word Problems?

  • Students preparing for the BC Numeracy Assessment

  • High schoolers in Math 10, Pre-Calculus 11, and Pre-Calculus 12

  • Learners aiming for college entrance exams and university-level math

  • Teens needing help in real-world math such as finance or navigation


👨‍🏫 Burnaby Math Tutoring with Dr. Shreyank Educare

At Dr. Shreyank Educare, we specialize in one-on-one and group tutoring for students in Burnaby, Vancouver, and beyond. Our services include:

✔️ Pre-Calculus 11 & 12 Tutoring
✔️ Math Foundations 10–12 Help
✔️ Trigonometry & Geometry Word Problems
✔️ Financial & Applied Math Coaching
✔️ Math Problem Solving Strategies
✔️ Exam Prep for BC Curriculum & Numeracy


📍 Serving Burnaby, Vancouver & All of BC

We offer both online and in-person tutoring, making it easy for students in Surrey, Coquitlam, New Westminster, and Richmond to access top-quality math education. With expert support, students improve not just in grades—but also in confidence, logical thinking, and test readiness.


📞 Book a Free Consultation Today

Want to solve word problems in math with ease? Contact us to schedule a free consultation. Let’s make math make sense—one problem at a time.

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