Why This Skill Matters
Word problems have been part of math for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations wrote their math challenges as little stories, not as plain equations. The skill of identifying relevant information — figuring out which numbers and facts actually matter — has always been the first step to solving them.
Here is the big question this lesson answers: when you read a word problem packed with numbers and details, how do you decide which facts to use and which strategy will get you to the answer fastest?
Core Principles of Identifying Relevant Information
Before you do any math, you need a game plan. These four core principles will guide you through every multi-step word problem on the SHSAT.
Read for the Question First
Sort Given vs. Extra
Identify Hidden Steps
Choose Your Strategy
Visualizing the Process
The diagram below shows the step-by-step process you should follow every time you face a multi-step word problem. Start at the top and work your way down. Notice how the very first step is reading the question, not crunching numbers.
Notice the flow splits your work into two phases. The first phase (Steps 1–3) is about understanding. The second phase (Steps 4–5) is about doing the math. Rushing through the first phase is the number-one reason students get tricked by extra information on the SHSAT.
The Math Behind Strategy Choice
Multi-step word problems usually boil down to a few basic operations combined together. The trick is figuring out which operations to use and in what order. Here are the most common setups you will see.
Sorting Relevant from Extra Information
Let's look at a sample problem and practice sorting its facts. Read this problem carefully:
The diagram below sorts every piece of information from this problem into two categories: relevant (you need it) and extra (you can ignore it).
How did we sort these? We used a simple test: Does this fact help me answer the question? The question asks about change from a purchase. To find change, you need the total cost and the amount paid. Brothers, sisters, and the store's age have nothing to do with money, so they are extra.
Worked Example
Let's walk through a full SHSAT-style problem from start to finish using our 5-step flow.
Comparing Problem-Solving Strategies
Not every strategy works equally well for every problem. The table below compares three common strategies so you know when to use each one.
| Strategy | How It Works | Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Forward | Start with given values, calculate step by step until you reach the answer. | Problems where you know starting values and need a final total. | Losing track of intermediate results. Write each step down! |
| Work Backward | Start with the answer choices (or the end result) and reverse the operations. | Problems where the answer choices are simple numbers or the final value is given. | Reversing operations incorrectly (e.g., adding when you should subtract). |
| Set Up an Equation | Use a variable (like x) to represent the unknown. Translate the words into math. | Problems with an unknown value connected to other values by clear relationships. | Setting up the equation incorrectly. Re-read the problem after writing the equation. |
Connecting to Harder Problems
The skills you are learning now — sorting information and choosing a strategy — are the same skills used in more advanced math. The table below shows how what you learn today connects to tougher problems you will see later.
| Skill You're Learning Now | How It Shows Up Later |
|---|---|
| Sorting relevant vs. extra information | In algebra, word problems get longer. You may see a full paragraph with 8–10 facts and only need 3 of them. |
| Identifying hidden intermediate steps | In systems of equations, you solve for one variable first, then use it to find another — the same "hidden step" idea. |
| Choosing the best strategy | In high school, you will choose between graphing, substitution, and elimination for systems. Strategy choice becomes even more important. |
| Checking your answer | In proofs and formal math, verifying results is a required step, not just a good habit. |
Think of these SHSAT word problems as training for your math brain. Every time you practice sorting information and picking a strategy, you are building habits that will make algebra, geometry, and beyond feel more manageable.
Practice Problems
Try these five problems. For each one, first identify the relevant information and cross out the extras. Then choose your strategy before you calculate.
Lesson Summary
In this lesson, you learned the 5-step process for tackling multi-step word problems on the SHSAT. The key is to read the question first, then list all facts, cross out extras, choose a strategy (work forward, work backward, or set up an equation), and finally solve and check your answer.
Remember: extra information is designed to distract you. Always test each fact by asking, "Does this help me answer the question?" Common problem patterns include Total Cost (multiply then add), Rate × Time = Distance, and Part = Fraction × Whole. Look for signal words (each, per, total, remaining) to decide which operation to use. The more you practice this process, the faster and more accurate you will become on test day!