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word problem
noun
: a mathematical problem expressed entirely in words typically used as an educational tool
Examples of word problem in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There are also word problems, which Lily was not expecting.
—Allegra Goodman, The New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2024
Consider a middle-school word problem: A store is selling 6 bags of marbles for $18.
—Shalinee Sharma, TIME, 7 Aug. 2024
Language models have learned to do surprising things that even those who trained them did not anticipate, including unscrambling words, performing eight-digit arithmetic, and solving mathematical word problems.
—Josh A. Goldstein, Foreign Affairs, 7 Apr. 2023
For example, customers can use Circle to Search on Android to highlight a math or physics word problem, and LearnLM will help solve the question.
—Emilia David, The Verge, 14 May 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1903, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near word problem
Cite this Entry
“Word problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/word%20problem. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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