PSLE Word Problems: The K-U-S Method

Our signature 'Known-Unknown-Solve' method for tackling high-weightage P6 word problems.

The PSLE Word Problems guide introduces our signature K-U-S (Known-Unknown-Solve) method — a systematic approach designed to eliminate the 'blank-out' moments that students experience when facing complex, multi-step word problems. It covers problem identification (Equal Stage, External Change, Total Change, Remainder Concept) and provides a structured execution framework for the highest-weighted questions in PSLE Paper 2.

Step 1: The 'K-U-S' Method

• K (Know): Highlight the keywords and values
• U (Underline): Underline exactly what the question is asking for
• S (Strategy): Choose between Model, Units, or Algebra

Step 2: Identifying Problem Types

• Equal Stage: 'At the end, they had an equal amount'. Strategy: Work Backwards
• External Change: 'Only Ali spent money, John stayed constant'. Strategy: Constant Part
• Common Multiple: Used for 'Sharing' problems with different fractional parts

Step 3: Execution & Patterns

• Total Change: Everything changes. Strategy: Stacking Model or Simultaneous equations
• Remainder Concept: 'Spent 1/4 of total, then 1/3 of remainder'. Use Branching Diagram

Step 4: The Final Check

• Units Check: Does the answer have the correct 'cm', 'kg', or '$'?
• Reasonableness: Does the answer make sense in context? (e.g. 0.5 of a person is wrong!)
• Reverse Calculation: Plug the answer back into the start of the problem

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the K-U-S method for PSLE word problems?▾

K-U-S stands for Known-Unknown-Solve. Step 1 (Know): highlight the keywords and given values. Step 2 (Underline): underline exactly what the question is asking. Step 3 (Strategy): choose the best approach — Model Drawing, Units, or Algebra. This systematic method prevents students from blanking out on complex questions.

What types of PSLE word problems does this guide cover?▾

It covers four major PSLE word problem patterns: Equal Stage (where quantities become equal), External Change (where only one party's quantity changes), Total Change (where all quantities change), and Remainder Concept (fractions of remainders). These patterns account for the vast majority of 4-5 mark PSLE questions.