A Guide To Excelling In Math Word Problems

Posted by James Smith on December 4th, 2020

“I think I need some help to solve my math word problems;  I just can’t solve them on my own” – If math word problems seem like a recurring nightmare to you, then it is your fear of mathematics rather than lack of mathematical skills that are the root cause of all troubles. The percentage of students who struggle with their math problems and despise the subject is astonishingly high. In every case, the reasons are the same: a lack of motivation, sheer terror of the maths, or a flawed problem-solving approach.

Well, you need not worry anymore as this write-up offers some excellent tips to help solve any math problem with ease. Let us begin.

Tip 1: Read the problem carefully. Go over it once and then reread it to understand the scenario presented.

Tip 2: Look for keywords. Understand what your objective is and what the problem wants you to do. Understand the given problem situation and try to connect them with your personal experiences and real life.

Tip 3: One of the biggest reasons students drop “Please solve my math word problem for me” is their inability to deduce essential information from complicated word problems. Always look for and underline information that you think can help you solve the question.

It will be best to write down important information in point form. You can quickly give a once over if need be in that case.

Tip 4: Mathematize the given situation described and try to come up with a way to solve them by relating it to your knowledge and skills. Transform the word problem into a solution and then get down to solving it.

Tip 5: And last but not least, overcome your fear of maths and practice more. Face all challenges head-on and do your best to overcome them. Practice hard, and do not lose confidence if you come up with the wrong solution. Keep on working towards your objective, and soon any math problem will feel like a breeze.

Here are some fantastic pointers to help you ace any math word problem.

1. Read the problem all the way thoroughly, to see what it is about.

2. Look for questions at the end of the problem.

3. Start every trial by letting the variable represent what you are trying to find. If there is more than one unknown to be solved, it is often easier to let your variable represent the smaller quantity.

 4. Reread the problem, carefully analyze it, and use the following tools as necessary:

a. Find Keywords and phrases that can be translated into math symbols

b. Draw a sketch or create a table

c. Try to solve the problem using easier numbers

d. Try to relate the problem to your own experience

5. Translate the word problem into an equation. Then solve the equation.

6. Write your answer(s), labeling it with the appropriate units.

7. Reread the question to make sure your answer is sensible. Revise and check your solutions.

And that brings us to the end of this blog. Remember, mathematics is the only subject where you can score full marks if you do your best. And, the more math you solve, the better you become at problem-solving and quick thinking.

So, stop availing those free math problem solver with readymade solutions and work hard. Strive towards success, and soon you will find yourself saying, “I don’t need to solve my math word problem for free; I will solve everything on my own.”

Source: https://gumroad.com/jamesmith/p/a-guide-to-excelling-in-math-word-problems