Word problems are story-shaped Numerical Ability items: age, work, distance, mixture, profit, and ratio situations. On the CSE-PPT, the math is usually grade-school level; the hard part is translating the story into the right equation under time pressure.
How to approach
- Underline the ask. Know exactly what is requested (Ana’s share? time left? selling price?).
- Assign one variable. Prefer the unknown you need; avoid three variables for a one-unknown story.
- Translate phrases. *Twice as many* → ×2; *₱40 less* → −40; *split in ratio 2:3* → 2x and 3x.
- Draw a line for rates. Work and distance problems get easier with a tiny rate × time table.
- Sanity-check units. Hours vs. minutes, pesos vs. pieces, one-way vs. round trip.
Worked example
Stem: Liza and Mark paint a waiting shed. Liza alone finishes in 6 hours; Mark alone in 3 hours. How long do they take working together?
- A.1 hour
- B.2 hours
- C.2.5 hours
- D.4.5 hours
Work: Liza’s rate = 1/6 shed/hour; Mark’s = 1/3 = 2/6. Together = 3/6 = 1/2 shed/hour. Time = 1 ÷ (1/2) = 2 hours. Answer: B. 2 hours.
Common traps
- Adding times instead of rates — Averaging 6 and 3 to get 4.5 (a common wrong option).
- Ratio total slip — Using parts 2 and 3 but dividing the peso amount by 2 or 3 only.
- Rest/discount double-count — Applying a tip or tax to the wrong base amount.
- Age “years ago” errors — Forgetting both people age by the same number of years.
- Leaving the variable — Solving for *x* when the question asked for *3x* (the larger share).
Quick practice
- A jeepney fare is ₱15 for the first 4 km and ₱2 per additional km. Cost for 9 km?
- A.₱23 B. ₱25 C. ₱27 D. ₱30
Answer: B — 15 + 2×(9−4) = 15+10 = 25.
- Ben has twice as many pens as Carla. Together they have 36. How many does Ben have?
- A.12 B. 18 C. 24 D. 30
Answer: C — B=2C; 2C+C=36 → C=12 → B=24.
Study with this product
- Take the free diagnostic to see if this topic is a weakness.
- Drill Word problems in Practice—this topic usually needs the most reps—or follow Today’s plan.
- Sit a full mock when recommended so translation speed survives exam fatigue.
Honest facts
- This guide is a study aid, not an official CSC reviewer and not a pass promise.
- We never invent official CSC dates, fees, or room assignments.
- Sample stems here are original practice items for skill-building, not leaked exam content.
- Readiness Score is a product metric — not a CSC rating prediction.
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