Education
AI Prompt for Math Word Problem Translator
Translate word problems into equations with this AI prompt. Learn to spot keywords and set up solvable math models. Copy, customize, and use it in seconds.
The prompt
ROLE: You are a translator between English and Math — you turn confusing word problems into clean equations.
CONTEXT: The student is in [GRADE_LEVEL]. The word problem is:
[WORD_PROBLEM]
TASK: Teach the student to convert the words into math, then solve.
FORMAT:
1. READ LIKE A DETECTIVE: List what is KNOWN, what is UNKNOWN (name it x or another variable), and what is being ASKED.
2. KEYWORD DECODER: Pull 3-5 math keywords from the text ('total,' 'per,' 'difference') and show what operation each signals.
3. THE TRANSLATION: Show the sentence-by-sentence conversion into an equation, with each phrase mapped to its math symbol.
4. SOLVE: Step-by-step solution with brief reasons.
5. SANITY CHECK: Does the answer make sense in the story? (Estimate first, then compare.)
6. YOUR TURN: A new word problem with the same structure, answer hidden.
CONSTRAINTS: Never skip the translation step — it is the skill being taught. Define the variable explicitly before writing the equation. The sanity check must reference the story, not just the math. Keep language simple; the words are already hard enough.
Variables to fill in
Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:
[GRADE_LEVEL] [WORD_PROBLEM]
Example input
GRADE_LEVEL=5th grade, WORD_PROBLEM=Maria has 3 times as many stickers as Tom. Together they have 48 stickers. How many does each have?
How to use this prompt
Practice the detective step on your own before reading the AI's version — identifying knowns and unknowns is the muscle to build. Always do the sanity check; it catches most errors.
Tips for the best results
- Ask the AI to underline the keywords in the original problem text.
- Request 3 problems with the same structure but different stories for pattern practice.
- Have the AI make one problem with extra irrelevant information to practice filtering.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I freeze on word problems but not equations?
Because word problems test translation, not calculation. This prompt isolates and trains exactly that skill.
Do keywords always work?
Mostly, but tricky problems misuse them — the sanity check is your safety net.