# Math word problem solver that sets up the equation

> This math word problem solver reads a typed story problem of up to 300 words and returns what is known and asked, the variables with units, the equations, numbered steps, a check against the story and a one-sentence answer. It handles rates, percentages, mixtures, ages, work and money problems. Each problem uses 1 credit ($0.08 to $0.10); the account is free and solving uses purchased credits.

The hard part of a word problem is turning sentences into math. The solver lists what is known, defines the variables, writes the equations and answers in a sentence.

## At a glance

- **Output:** Knowns, variables, equations, steps, check, answer sentence
- **Problem types:** Rates, percentages, mixtures, ages, work, money
- **Problem length:** Typed text, up to 300 words per problem
- **Price:** 1 credit per problem ($0.08 to $0.10); packs from $4.99
- **Account:** Free to sign up; solving uses purchased credits

- Variables defined
- Equations written out
- Answer in a sentence

[Solve a word problem](https://mathsolvercalculator.app/create)

## How the solver handles a word problem

- **Knowns and the question**: It starts by listing the numbers the story gives and what it asks, which is where most wrong answers begin.
- **Variables with units**: Each unknown gets a letter and a unit, for example t = hours after 10:00 a.m., so the equations stay readable.
- **Equations from sentences**: Each sentence that carries a condition becomes an equation or an inequality, written out before any solving.
- **Checked against the story**: The answer is tested against every condition and for common sense: no negative ages and no 30-hour days.

## How to solve a word problem

1. **Paste the whole story**: Include every sentence and number, even the ones that look unimportant.
2. **Choose Word problems**: Pick Answer + steps, or Detailed teaching to see why each equation is set up the way it is.
3. **Read the setup first**: Check the variables and equations against the story before you look at the arithmetic.

## Common word problem types

Most textbook word problems follow one of a few patterns:

- Distance, rate and time: distance = rate × time.
- Percent change: new = old × (1 + r), or old × (1 - r) for a decrease.
- Working together: 1/a + 1/b = 1/t for two workers who take a and b hours alone.
- Mixtures: amount × concentration adds up across the parts.
- Simple interest: I = P × r × t.
- Consecutive integers: n, n + 1, n + 2.

## A worked example

Worked by hand for this page in the solver's layout:

- Problem: A train leaves a station at 9:00 a.m. at 80 km/h. A second train leaves the same station at 10:00 a.m. on the same route at 100 km/h. When, and how far from the station, does it catch up?
- Known: speeds of 80 and 100 km/h and a one-hour head start. Asked: the time and the distance
- 1. Let t = hours after 10:00 a.m. The first train has then traveled 80(t + 1) km and the second 100t km
- 2. They meet when 100t = 80(t + 1), so 100t = 80t + 80
- 3. 20t = 80, so t = 4
- Check: second train 100 × 4 = 400 km; first train 80 × 5 = 400 km
- Answer: The second train catches up at 2:00 p.m., 400 km from the station.

## Why word problems go wrong

Most mistakes happen before any arithmetic: a unit mixed up (minutes and hours), a head start forgotten, or a percentage applied to the wrong amount. That is why the solver writes the knowns and the variables first and checks the answer against every condition in the story. Read those lines first; if the setup is right, the rest usually is too.


## Simple pricing, by the problem

- Starter: $7.99 / month, 100 credits
- Pro: $19.99 / month, 250 credits
- Tutor: $49.99 / month, 650 credits
- Mini: $4.99, 50 credits
- Plus: $14.99, 160 credits
- Max: $34.99, 420 credits

## Word problem solver FAQ

### What kinds of word problems can it solve?

School and everyday problems that lead to equations or calculations: distance and speed, percentages and discounts, interest, mixtures, ages, work rates, money, probability and measurement. Physics or chemistry calculations work too when all the data is in the text.

### Does it explain how the equation was set up?

Yes. The solution lists the knowns, defines each variable with its unit and writes the equations before solving. Detailed teaching also explains why each equation matches the sentence it came from.

### What if my word problem is unclear?

The solver is told to say when a problem can be read more than one way, choose the most likely reading and state it in a Note line. If the other reading gives a different answer quickly, it mentions that too.

### How much does a word problem cost?

The same as any problem: 1 credit, $0.08 to $0.10 depending on your pack or plan, whatever its length up to 300 words. The account is free; there are no free signup credits.

## Turn your next story problem into an equation

Paste the story, choose Word problems and check the setup before the arithmetic.

_Last updated 2026-10-29_