Descending Order Word Problems For Kids

Descending Order Word Problems

Descending order means arranging numbers from the largest to the smallest. Let’s go through a step-by-step explanation of descending order word problems with diagrams.

Example Problem:

Problem: Sarah, John, and Emma collected 32, 45, and 28 apples respectively. Arrange the number of apples they collected in descending order.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Understand the Problem:
   • Sarah collected 32 apples.
   • John collected 45 apples.
   • Emma collected 28 apples.
2. Identify the Numbers:
   • We have the numbers 32, 45, and 28.
3. Arrange in Descending Order:
   • Descending order means we start with the largest number and go down to the smallest.
4. Compare the Numbers:
   • Compare 32, 45, and 28.
   • Diagram: 32 45 28
   • The largest number is 45.
   • The next largest number is 32.
   • The smallest number is 28.
5. Arrange the Numbers:
   • In descending order, the numbers are 45, 32, and 28.
   • Diagram: 45 > 32 > 28
6. Conclusion:
   • John collected the most apples (45).
   • Sarah collected the next most (32).
   • Emma collected the least (28).

Visual Representation:

1. Original Collection:
2. Comparing Apples:
3. Descending Order:

Practice Problems:

1. Problem: Mike, Lily, and Sam scored 88, 95, and 72 in their math test respectively. Arrange their scores in descending order.
   • Numbers: 88, 95, 72
   • Solution: 95, 88, 72
2. Problem: Three plants grew to heights of 45 cm, 60 cm, and 50 cm. Arrange the heights in descending order.
   • Numbers: 45, 60, 50
   • Solution: 60, 50, 45

Example Problem:

Problem: Sarah, John, and Emma collected 30, 40, and 20 apples respectively. Arrange the number of apples they collected in descending order.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Understand the Problem:
   • Sarah collected 30 apples.
   • John collected 40 apples.
   • Emma collected 20 apples.
2. Identify the Numbers:
   • We have the numbers 30, 40, and 20.
3. Arrange in Descending Order:
   • Descending order means we start with the largest number and go down to the smallest.
4. Compare the Numbers:
   • Compare 30, 40, and 20.
   • Diagram: 30 40 20
   • The largest number is 40.
   • The next largest number is 30.
   • The smallest number is 20.
5. Arrange the Numbers:
   • In descending order, the numbers are 40, 3, and 20.
   • Diagram: 40 > 30 > 20
6. Conclusion:
   • John collected the most apples (40).
   • Sarah collected the next most (30).
   • Emma collected the least (20).

Visual Representation:

1. Original Collection:
2. Comparing Apples:
3. Descending Order:

Practice Problems:

1. Problem: Mike, Lily, and Sam scored 88, 95, and 72 in their math test respectively. Arrange their scores in descending order.
   • Numbers: 88, 95, 72
   • Solution: 95, 88, 72
2. Problem: Three plants grew to heights of 45 cm, 60 cm, and 50 cm. Arrange the heights in descending order.
   • Numbers: 45, 60, 50
   • Solution: 60, 50, 45

Example 1: Scores in a Quiz

Problem: Amy, Ben, and Clara scored 85, 90, and 78 in a quiz respectively. Arrange their scores in descending order.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Understand the Problem:
   • Amy scored 85.
   • Ben scored 90.
   • Clara scored 78.
2. Identify the Numbers:
   • We have the scores 85, 90, and 78.
3. Arrange in Descending Order:
   • Descending order means starting with the largest number and going down to the smallest.
4. Compare the Numbers:
   • Compare 85, 90, and 78.
   • Diagram: 85 90 78
   • The largest score is 90.
   • The next largest score is 85.
   • The smallest score is 78.
5. Arrange the Numbers:
   • In descending order, the scores are 90, 85, and 78.
   • Diagram: 90 > 85 > 78
6. Conclusion:
   • Ben scored the highest (90).
   • Amy scored the next highest (85).
   • Clara scored the lowest (78).

Visual Representation:

1. Original Scores:
2. Comparing Scores:
3. Descending Order:

Example 2: Heights of Buildings

Problem: Three buildings have heights of 150 m, 200 m, and 175 m. Arrange their heights in descending order.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Understand the Problem:
   • Building A is 150 m.
   • Building B is 200 m.
   • Building C is 175 m.
2. Identify the Numbers:
   • We have the heights 150 m, 200 m, and 175 m.
3. Arrange in Descending Order:
   • Descending order means starting with the largest number and going down to the smallest.
4. Compare the Numbers:
   • Compare 150, 200, and 175.
   • Diagram: 150 200 175
   • The largest height is 200.
   • The next largest height is 175.
   • The smallest height is 150.
5. Arrange the Numbers:
   • In descending order, the heights are 200, 175, and 150.
   • Diagram: 200 > 175 > 150
6. Conclusion:
   • Building B is the tallest (200 m).
   • Building C is the next tallest (175 m).
   • Building A is the shortest (150 m).

Visual Representation:

1. Original Heights:
2. Comparing Heights:
3. Descending Order:

Practice Problems:

1. Problem: Lily, Max, and Zoe have 12, 25, and 19 books respectively. Arrange the number of books they have in descending order.
   • Numbers: 12, 25, 19
   • Solution: 25, 19, 12
2. Problem: Three cars traveled 250 km, 300 km, and 275 km. Arrange the distances in descending order.
   • Numbers: 250, 300, 275
   • Solution: 300, 275, 250

Example 3: Scores in a Race

Problem: Jake, Mia, and Noah finished a race in 12 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes respectively. Arrange their times in descending order.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Understand the Problem:
   • Jake finished in 12 minutes.
   • Mia finished in 10 minutes.
   • Noah finished in 15 minutes.
2. Identify the Numbers:
   • We have the times 12, 10, and 15 minutes.
3. Arrange in Descending Order:
   • Descending order means starting with the largest number and going down to the smallest.
4. Compare the Numbers:
   • Compare 12, 10, and 15.
   • Diagram: 12 10 15
   • The largest time is 15.
   • The next largest time is 12.
   • The smallest time is 10.
5. Arrange the Numbers:
   • In descending order, the times are 15, 12, and 10.
   • Diagram: 15 > 12 > 10
6. Conclusion:
   • Noah took the longest time (15 minutes).
   • Jake took the next longest time (12 minutes).
   • Mia took the shortest time (10 minutes).

Visual Representation:

1. Original Times:
2. Comparing Times:
3. Descending Order:

Example 4: Number of Steps Taken

Problem: Anna, Liam, and Olivia took 4500, 3200, and 5100 steps respectively in a day. Arrange the number of steps they took in descending order.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Understand the Problem:
   • Anna took 4500 steps.
   • Liam took 3200 steps.
   • Olivia took 5100 steps.
2. Identify the Numbers:
   • We have the numbers 4500, 3200, and 5100.
3. Arrange in Descending Order:
   • Descending order means starting with the largest number and going down to the smallest.
4. Compare the Numbers:
   • Compare 4500, 3200, and 5100.
   • Diagram: 4500 3200 5100
   • The largest number is 5100.
   • The next largest number is 4500.
   • The smallest number is 3200.
5. Arrange the Numbers:
   • In descending order, the numbers are 5100, 4500, and 3200.
   • Diagram: 5100 > 4500 > 3200
6. Conclusion:
   • Olivia took the most steps (5100).
   • Anna took the next most steps (4500).
   • Liam took the fewest steps (3200).

Visual Representation:

1. Original Steps:
2. Comparing Steps:
3. Descending Order:

Example 5: Amount of Water Drunk

Problem: Kevin, Emily, and Sophia drank 2 liters, 1.5 liters, and 2.5 liters of water respectively in a day. Arrange the amounts in descending order.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Understand the Problem:
   • Kevin drank 2 liters.
   • Emily drank 1.5 liters.
   • Sophia drank 2.5 liters.
2. Identify the Numbers:
   • We have the amounts 2 liters, 1.5 liters, and 2.5 liters.
3. Arrange in Descending Order:
   • Descending order means starting with the largest number and going down to the smallest.
4. Compare the Numbers:
   • Compare 2, 1.5, and 2.5.
   • Diagram: 2 1.5 2.5
   • The largest amount is 2.5.
   • The next largest amount is 2.
   • The smallest amount is 1.5.
5. Arrange the Numbers:
   • In descending order, the amounts are 2.5, 2, and 1.5.
   • Diagram: 2.5 > 2 > 1.5
6. Conclusion:
   • Sophia drank the most water (2.5 liters).
   • Kevin drank the next most water (2 liters).
   • Emily drank the least water (1.5 liters).

Visual Representation:

1. Original Amounts:
2. Comparing Amounts:
3. Descending Order:

Practice Problems:

1. Problem: Jack, Emma, and Oliver picked 23, 35, and 29 strawberries respectively. Arrange the numbers in descending order.
   • Numbers: 23, 35, 29
   • Solution: 35, 29, 23
2. Problem: Three trees are 15 m, 25 m, and 20 m tall. Arrange the heights in descending order.
   • Numbers: 15, 25, 20
   • Solution: 25, 20, 15

Example 6: Cookies Baked

Problem: Lily, Max, and Zoe baked 24, 18, and 30 cookies respectively. Arrange the number of cookies they baked in descending order.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Understand the Problem:
   • Lily baked 24 cookies.
   • Max baked 18 cookies.
   • Zoe baked 30 cookies.
2. Identify the Numbers:
   • We have the numbers 24, 18, and 30.
3. Arrange in Descending Order:
   • Descending order means starting with the largest number and going down to the smallest.
4. Compare the Numbers:
   • Compare 24, 18, and 30.
   • Diagram: 24 18 30
   • The largest number is 30.
   • The next largest number is 24.
   • The smallest number is 18.
5. Arrange the Numbers:
   • In descending order, the numbers are 30, 24, and 18.
   • Diagram: 30 > 24 > 18
6. Conclusion:
   • Zoe baked the most cookies (30).
   • Lily baked the next most cookies (24).
   • Max baked the fewest cookies (18).

Visual Representation:

1. Original Cookies:
2. Comparing Cookies:
3. Descending Order:

Example 7: Toy Cars Owned

Problem: Sam, Jenny, and Alex have 15, 28, and 22 toy cars respectively. Arrange the number of toy cars they have in descending order.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Understand the Problem:
   • Sam has 15 toy cars.
   • Jenny has 28 toy cars.
   • Alex has 22 toy cars.
2. Identify the Numbers:
   • We have the numbers 15, 28, and 22.
3. Arrange in Descending Order:
   • Descending order means starting with the largest number and going down to the smallest.
4. Compare the Numbers:
   • Compare 15, 28, and 22.
   • Diagram: 15 28 22
   • The largest number is 28.
   • The next largest number is 22.
   • The smallest number is 15.
5. Arrange the Numbers:
   • In descending order, the numbers are 28, 22, and 15.
   • Diagram: 28 > 22 > 15
6. Conclusion:
   • Jenny has the most toy cars (28).
   • Alex has the next most toy cars (22).
   • Sam has the fewest toy cars (15).

Visual Representation:

1. Original Toy Cars:
2. Comparing Toy Cars:
3. Descending Order:

Example 8: Scores in a Video Game

Problem: Emma, Liam, and Oliver scored 1200, 1800, and 1500 points in a video game respectively. Arrange their scores in descending order.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Understand the Problem:
   • Emma scored 1200 points.
   • Liam scored 1800 points.
   • Oliver scored 1500 points.
2. Identify the Numbers:
   • We have the scores 1200, 1800, and 1500.
3. Arrange in Descending Order:
   • Descending order means starting with the largest number and going down to the smallest.
4. Compare the Numbers:
   • Compare 1200, 1800, and 1500.
   • Diagram: 1200 1800 1500
   • The largest score is 1800.
   • The next largest score is 1500.
   • The smallest score is 1200.
5. Arrange the Numbers:
   • In descending order, the scores are 1800, 1500, and 1200.
   • Diagram: 1800 > 1500 > 1200
6. Conclusion:
   • Liam scored the most points (1800).
   • Oliver scored the next most points (1500).
   • Emma scored the fewest points (1200).

Visual Representation:

1. Original Scores:
2. Comparing Scores:
3. Descending Order:

Example 9: Pages Read

Problem: Mark, Susan, and Tim read 50, 35, and 45 pages of a book respectively. Arrange the number of pages they read in descending order.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Understand the Problem:
   • Mark read 50 pages.
   • Susan read 35 pages.
   • Tim read 45 pages.
2. Identify the Numbers:
   • We have the numbers 50, 35, and 45.
3. Arrange in Descending Order:
   • Descending order means starting with the largest number and going down to the smallest.
4. Compare the Numbers:
   • Compare 50, 35, and 45.
   • Diagram: 50 35 45
   • The largest number is 50.
   • The next largest number is 45.
   • The smallest number is 35.
5. Arrange the Numbers:
   • In descending order, the numbers are 50, 45, and 35.
   • Diagram: 50 > 45 > 35
6. Conclusion:
   • Mark read the most pages (50).
   • Tim read the next most pages (45).
   • Susan read the fewest pages (35).

Visual Representation:

1. Original Pages:
2. Comparing Pages:
3. Descending Order:

Practice Problems:

1. Problem: Three friends scored 67, 89, and 75 in a test. Arrange the scores in descending order.
   • Numbers: 67, 89, 75
   • Solution: 89, 75, 67
2. Problem: A farmer harvested 400, 600, and 500 apples from three trees. Arrange the numbers in descending order.
   • Numbers: 400, 600, 500
   • Solution: 600, 500, 400

Tips for Solving:

• Always start with the largest number and go down to the smallest.
• Use visual aids like diagrams or pictures to help compare the sizes.
• Practice with different sets of numbers to get better at arranging in descending order.

Conclusion:

Explaining descending order word problems with diagrams can make the concept clearer for kids. Using visual aids and step-by-step solutions helps them understand how to compare and arrange numbers from largest to smallest.