problem

Everyday

1. A problem is a question you have to work out, like a maths story: a word problem. tree →
2. A problem is something that is wrong or hard and needs to be fixed: The car has a problem. tree →
3. «No problem» means it is easy, or you are welcome. tree →

In the lessons

a word problem to solve («Read the whole problem first, then choose»); some problems have two steps; in science solving problems by testing; in everyday life fixing problems, «What's the problem?»; in friendship talking about a problem helps; «problem solving»

Examples

• Read the whole problem first, then choose. tree →
• This problem has two steps. tree →
• Tom solved 6 problems and Kim solved 9. tree →
• Can you help me with this maths problem? tree →
• We have a problem: the tap is leaking. tree →
• If you have a problem at school, talk to your teacher. tree →
• «Thank you!» «No problem.» tree →
• Litter is a big problem for sea animals. tree →
• He pursued the problem like the sleuth-hound that he was. tree →

Note

Read all of it before choosing. Trap: some problems need two operations. Verb: «solve a problem» (not «do a problem» in everyday talk, though teachers say both).

In Jewish tradition

a word problem to solve («Read the whole problem first, then choose»); some problems have two steps; in science solving problems by testing; in everyday life fixing problems, «What's the problem?»; in friendship talking about a problem helps; «problem solving»

Examples

• There are other problems with the interpretation ‘mothers’. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →
• The reason why they have remained so long an unsolved problem is partly due to a lack of knowledge of Hebrew orthography, on which the Sefer Yetzirah is based. (Mordell, The Origin of Letters and Numerals according to Sefer Yetzirah (1914)) tree →

Note

Read all of it before choosing. Trap: some problems need two operations. Verb: «solve a problem» (not «do a problem» in everyday talk, though teachers say both).