subject: Guide and tips on how to learn math and solve word problems fast [print this page] Nearly every child has problems when they are asked to solve math word problems. The problems usually occur when students fail to identify the related information. Many math problems are multi-step and require some type of systematic approach. So the key to solving math word problems is to develop a plan or strategy, which works in any math word problem solving situation. The below are the tips and guide for you to follow: 1. Read the entire problem first and ask yourself exactly what type of information is being asked for. Then determine all the information that is being given to you in the question. Since word problems usually contain extra and unnecessary information, you should try to look for clues and important information first and then write down, underline, or highlight the clues or the related information. In this way, the problem will be clearer to you. Some key word clues are as follofws: a. Addition: sum, total, how many all together, and in all.
b. Subtraction: difference, how much more, how many left, and exceed.
c. Multiplication: product, total, area, and times
d. Division: share, distribute, quotient, and average. 2. Find all of the variables or values in the problem. This will help you get related information from the problem and keep you focused. It can also help you make decision on which equation to be used. 3. Find the question to be answered in the problem. Often the question is directly stated. When it is not stated, you will have to identify the question to be answered. 4. Write the facts you need to answer the question. It is helpful to cross out any unrelated facts. Sometimes, all of facts presented in the problem are needed to answer the question. 5. Ask yourself what computations I must do to answer the question. 6. Set up the problem on paper and do the computations. Check your computations for accuracy and make any needed corrections. Once you have done this, work the problem in reverse or backwards, starting with the answer to see if you can wind up with your original problem. 7. Look at your answer and ask yourself: Is my answer possible? You may find that your answer is not possible because it does not fit with the facts presented in the problem. When this happens, go back through the steps until you arrive at an answer that is possible. 8. The final tip is that if you get stuck on a problem, skip it and go back to it later. Sometimes having a short break will allow you to restart your thinking process and tackle the problem from a different angle. In conclusion, developing a problem soloving plan is very important, but, to gain even more math problem solving skills, you need to do more practice and take notes of the key points of your practice.
Guide and tips on how to learn math and solve word problems fast
