Word problems are one of the most challenging sections of the AEIS Mathematics paper. Unlike straightforward calculation questions, word problems require students to understand the situation, identify the correct mathematical concepts, and apply the appropriate formulas before finding the answer.
Many international students know how to calculate percentages, ratios, or areas, but lose marks because they misunderstand what the question is asking. Developing strong problem-solving skills is therefore essential for success in the AEIS Exam Singapore.
This guide introduces 30 of the most common AEIS Math word problem types, together with practical solving techniques that help students answer questions accurately and confidently.
Table of Contents
- Why Word Problems Matter in the AEIS Exam
- Four-Step Strategy for Solving Word Problems
- Number Problems
- Fraction Problems
- Percentage Problems
- Ratio Problems
- Speed, Time and Distance Problems
- Geometry Problems
- Area and Perimeter Problems
- Volume Problems
- Money Problems
- Average Problems
- Multi-Step Word Problems
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- How to Improve Word Problem Skills
- Final Thoughts
Why Word Problems Matter in the AEIS Exam
The AEIS Mathematics paper is designed to assess more than calculation skills. Students are expected to analyse information, identify patterns, and solve practical problems using mathematical reasoning.
Word problems test a student’s ability to:
- Read carefully
- Understand mathematical language
- Select the correct formula
- Perform accurate calculations
- Interpret the final answer
Students who practise a variety of question types become more confident and complete the paper more efficiently.
Four-Step Strategy for Solving Word Problems
Before looking at different question types, students should follow a simple four-step method.
Step 1: Read Carefully
Read the question at least twice.
Highlight:
- Numbers
- Units
- Important keywords
- What needs to be found
Step 2: Identify the Topic
Ask yourself:
Is this about:
- Fractions?
- Percentage?
- Ratio?
- Speed?
- Area?
- Volume?
Choosing the correct topic usually leads to the correct formula.
Step 3: Solve Systematically
Write down:
- Formula
- Working
- Final calculation
Avoid doing everything mentally.
Step 4: Check the Answer
Ask yourself:
- Does the answer make sense?
- Is the unit correct?
- Have I answered the actual question?
Number Problems
Common examples include:
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Order of operations
Example
There are 248 boys and 275 girls.
How many students are there altogether?
Solution
248 + 275 = 523
There are 950 books.
368 are borrowed.
How many remain?
950 − 368 = 582
Fraction Problems
Fractions appear frequently in AEIS papers.
Example
Tom drank 2/5 of a 500 ml bottle.
How much water did he drink?
Solution
500 × 2/5
= 200 ml
Another example
A cake is divided into 8 equal pieces.
Sarah eats 3 pieces.
What fraction remains?
Answer
5/8
Percentage Problems
Example
A bicycle costs $400.
It is discounted by 15%.
Find the discount.
Solution
400 × 15%
= $60
Selling price
400 − 60
= $340
Example
A student’s marks increased from 70 to 84.
Percentage increase
(84 − 70) ÷ 70 × 100%
= 20%
Ratio Problems
Example
The ratio of boys to girls is 4 : 5.
There are 36 girls.
How many boys are there?
Solution
5 parts = 36
1 part = 7.2
4 parts
= 28.8
In exam questions, values are usually designed to produce whole numbers.
Another example
Divide $180 in the ratio 2 : 4 : 3.
Total parts
9
Each part
20
Amounts
40
80
60
Speed, Time and Distance Problems
Formula
Speed = Distance ÷ Time
Example
A bus travels 210 km in 3 hours.
Find its speed.
210 ÷ 3
= 70 km/h
Example
A cyclist travels at 18 km/h for 2 hours.
Distance
18 × 2
= 36 km
Geometry Problems
Students should recognise common shapes.
Example
A rectangle measures
15 cm
8 cm
Find the perimeter.
Solution
2 × (15 + 8)
= 46 cm
Example
Find the missing angle in a triangle.
50°
65°
?
Answer
65°
Area and Perimeter Problems
Students often confuse these two concepts.
Example
Rectangle
Length = 12 cm
Width = 9 cm
Area
12 × 9
= 108 cm²
Example
Perimeter
2 × (12 + 9)
= 42 cm
Remember
Area measures the space inside.
Perimeter measures the boundary.
Volume Problems
Example
A cube has sides of 6 cm.
Volume
6 × 6 × 6
= 216 cm³
Example
A cuboid
Length
8 cm
Width
4 cm
Height
5 cm
Volume
160 cm³
Money Problems
Money questions usually involve:
- Discounts
- Profit
- Total cost
- Change
Example
A notebook costs $8.
Amy buys 6.
How much does she pay?
Answer
$48
Example
John pays $100.
His purchase costs $73.
Change
$27
Average Problems
Formula
Average
Total ÷ Number of Items
Example
Marks
72
81
77
90
Average
320 ÷ 4
= 80
Multi-Step Word Problems
These questions require several calculations.
Example
A family buys
3 adult tickets at $20 each
2 child tickets at $12 each
Find the total cost.
Solution
Adults
60
Children
24
Total
84
Example
A shop offers
10% discount
Original price
$500
Find selling price.
Discount
50
Selling price
450
30 Common AEIS Word Problem Types
Students should become familiar with these question styles.
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Fractions
- Mixed fractions
- Decimals
- Percentages
- Percentage increase
- Percentage decrease
- Ratios
- Proportion
- Speed
- Time
- Distance
- Area
- Perimeter
- Volume
- Angles
- Algebra
- Average
- Graph interpretation
- Tables
- Money calculations
- Discounts
- Profit and loss
- Measurement conversion
- Multi-step calculations
- Logical reasoning
- Real-life application problems
Mastering these 30 question types prepares students for the majority of mathematical scenarios commonly seen in the AEIS examination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many students lose marks because of simple errors.
Avoid these mistakes:
- Reading too quickly
- Ignoring keywords
- Choosing the wrong formula
- Forgetting units
- Copying numbers incorrectly
- Skipping working
- Misreading fractions
- Confusing area with perimeter
- Forgetting to convert units
- Leaving questions unanswered
Checking your work can prevent many unnecessary mistakes.
How to Improve Word Problem Skills
Improvement comes through regular practice rather than memorisation.
Useful study habits include:
- Complete one word problem worksheet every day.
- Read every question carefully before calculating.
- Underline important information.
- Show all working clearly.
- Review incorrect answers.
- Practise under timed conditions.
- Solve questions from different topics instead of focusing on only one.
Over time, students will recognise common patterns and solve problems more quickly.
Final Thoughts
Word problems are an essential part of the AEIS Mathematics paper because they assess a student’s ability to apply mathematical knowledge in practical situations. While these questions may appear difficult at first, they become much easier when students develop a structured approach and gain experience with different problem types.
By understanding the 30 common AEIS Math word problem categories covered in this guide, students can improve their analytical thinking, reduce careless mistakes, and approach the examination with greater confidence. Combined with regular revision of mathematical formulas, timed practice papers, and careful review of errors, mastering word problems will significantly increase a student’s readiness for the AEIS Exam Singapore and improve the chances of achieving a successful school placement.