Word problems are the most difficult for many students to master. What I try to do with all word problems is write an equation to the problem as I am reading it, if at all possible. Look for key words such as "sum" "more than" "difference" "times" "of" "is equal". Each one of them tells you a certain mathematical operation that goes in an equation

Difference  "minus"
More than, sum "plus"
Of "multiplication"
Is equal "equals sign"
Product "multiplication'
Quotient "division"
Square of "to the second power"


Look for these key words to help you set up your equations to your word problems more easily.