To make tough word problems easier to understand, try these helpful tips:

1. Find Important Words: Look for keywords that tell you what to do, like "total," "difference," "product," and "per." For example, if you see "total," it usually means you need to add.

2. Name the Unknowns: Use letters like $x$ to stand for things you don’t know yet. For example, you can let $x$ be the number of items.

3. Create Equations: Change sentences into math equations. For instance, the sentence "Five more than twice a number is fifteen" can be written as $2x + 5 = 15$.

4. Draw It Out: Make a diagram or chart to show the problem. This can help you see how the parts relate to each other and can make finding the solution easier.

5. Break It Up: Divide the problem into smaller, easier parts. If the problem is tricky, work on one step at a time. Make sure each part fits with the whole equation.

6. Double-Check Your Work: After you find the solution, check if your answers make sense based on the problem. This can help you avoid mistakes and make your answers more accurate.