Mass Word Problem Game

Mass Word Problem Quiz/Game
This game focuses on solving word problems involving mass, covering basic operations, unit conversions (Metric & Imperial), and multi-step scenarios. Scroll down the page for a more detailed explanation.

 

 

How to Play the Math Masters Game

1. Look at the Problem: Read the problem carefully. Solve it and select one of the answers.
   
2. Check Your Work: If you selected the right answer, it will be highlighted in green. If you are wrong, it will be highlighted in red and the correct answer will be highlighted in green. A hint will be given to help you find the correct answer.
   
3. Get a New Problem: Click “Next Problem” for a new problem.
   Your score is tracked, showing how many you’ve gotten right.
   
4. Finish Game When you have completed 10 questions, your final score will be displayed.
    
   

Solving Mass Word Problems
Mass is the measure of how much “stuff” is in an object. In word problems, we usually deal with mass to figure out how heavy things are, how much of a substance we have, or how to divide a large load into smaller parts.
The Metric Units of Mass
Most mass word problems use the metric system. It is base-10, meaning you move the decimal point to convert between units.
Key Conversions
1,000 mg = 1 g
1,000 g = 1 kg

Common Types of Problems
A. Addition and Subtraction (Total & Difference)
These problems ask you to combine masses or find out how much is left.
Example: A baker has 2.5 kg of flour. They use 800 g. How much is left?
The Trap: Units must be the same before you subtract.
Solution: Convert 2.5 kg to 2500 g. Then: 2500 - 800 = 1700 g (or 1.7 kg).

B. Multiplication (Equal Groups)
Used when you have many identical items.
Example: One shipping crate weighs 45 kg. How much do 8 crates weigh?
Solution: 45 × 8 = 360 kg.

C. Division (Sharing & Distributing)
Used to find the weight of one item or how many items fit in a limit.
Example: A 12 kg bag of rice is split into 5 equal containers. How much is in each?
Solution: 12 ÷ 5 = 2.4 kg.

The “Mass Master” Strategy
When you face a difficult word problem, follow these four steps:
Identify the Units: Look at the numbers. Are they all in kg? Or is there a mix of g and kg?
Convert First: If the units are different, convert them to match the unit requested in the answer.
Choose the Operation:
Total/Altogether ⇒ Addition
How much more/Left over ⇒ Subtraction
Each/Per ⇒ Multiplication or Division
Check for Reasonableness: If you are weighing a cat and get 500 kg, you probably multiplied when you should have divided.

Practice Tip: “Move the Decimal”
Because the metric system is based on 1,000:
To go from Big to Small (kg ⇒ g): Multiply by $1,000$ (Move decimal 3 places Right).
To go from Small to Big (g ⇒ kg): Divide by $1,000$ (Move decimal 3 places Left)
 

This video gives a clear, step-by-step approach to explain how to solve mass word problems.

• Show Video

 

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