Math Word Problem Solving Tips From An Experienced Math Tutor
This article is intended to help people who struggle with word problems, by providing them with a simple strategic approach and a set of tools to use when encountering questions of this sort. Like most writings on Problem solving, this article leans heavily on the ideas and writings of George Polya (1887-1985) a mathematician who refined many of the ideas for problem solving that are in common use today. His classic book 'Solve It' is a must read for the advanced student - a simplified system is provided below:
An Approach to Problem Solving:
Start by being sure that you understand the problem - I can't tell you the number of times that teachers see students turn in copious amounts of work that fails to answer the question that was actually asked. This is often heartbreaking for both the student and the teacher.
Always try to restate the problem in your own words. If you can't rephrase the problem, then there is a good chance that you may not fully understand it.
Be clear on what you need to accomplish. Think about what information you will need. Is there any information missing? Can it be found by using the information that is present?
Make a plan - once you are confident that you know what the question is asking and what data will be needed to answer it, start thinking about how you will tackle the problem
Think about if you have seen a similar question before. If so, how did you solve it?
Solve a simpler problem - if some parts of the problem are not clear try simplifying it and solving what you know. This is a form of 'divide and conquer' - once you have solved a part of the problem it is not uncommon for the answer to the mysterious part to suddenly jump out at you. You can also try simplifying the data - if the numbers are too big and awkward then make them smaller and simpler. This allows you to get clear on the steps and processes involved in solving the problem
Draw a picture - often using a diagram will help to organize the data in a way that allows your brain to create additional connections between the pieces and possibly spark some ideas.
List your data - can you put it in a table? Can you organize it?
Can you spot a pattern?
Do you know a formula? Are there any formulas that you know that could be relevant to the problem? Think about how you could possibly use them in this particular instance.
Can you work backwards? Sometimes approaching a problem in the other direction can cause your mental light bulb to turn on!
Guessing is great! Take a guess if you can and then check if your guess is close. Many of us adults were taught never to guess when we were in school - this is unfortunate as guessing and estimation are powerful problem solving tools.
Carry out your plan - you've got your plan so now it's time to execute it. Use one of the approaches above that you think fit the situation best. Don't be afraid to drop one approach and try another if you don't seem to be making headway.
Look back - is there another method? Could you solve it a different way? Is there a general principle that can be applied?
Related Tags: education, tutor, math, tutoring, vancouver, west, north
Ian Cunliffe is an experienced tutor and teacher serving North and West Vancouver, BC. Ian can be reached at ian@vancouvertutoringservice.com or at 778 230 0177. Check out his 'visible results guarantee' at vancouvertutoringservice.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Effective Online Teaching Aids
LearningTRACS is one of the few "cloud-based" online teaching aids that present text and images as a - Ending Acid Reflux Naturally
Heartburn or acid reflux has been causing complications for people for a long time, however there se - Home Schooling And Discipline
When the child stays at home all day, and mommy is the teacher, there are certain issues of discipli - Distance Education Benefits
Distance edication is a good way to hold track with the long-term goals when fulfilling the short-te - Homeschooling Your Child With A Learning Disability
Making the decision to home school your child is not the easiest decision at the best of times, but - Finding Your Daily Motivation: Homeschooling Challenge
As with any job or task, we often find ourselves becoming complacent and homeschooling your child is - Improve Your Math Ability With Subliminal Messages
Working with even basic math problems can be troubling for some people, and this condition will onl - World Of Books- India Today Book Club
Comic books have been prominent for many years. These are the only books which have got much saleabl - Dvd On U. S. Constitution Exposes The 3 Signs Of Historical Revisionism Among Christians
"Ismellarat -- An Anti-Federalist Interpretation of American History"is unique as an evangelical vid - U. S. Constitution Fails All 3 Tests For A Christian Government
Patrick Henry is usually lumped in with other founders like James Madison, but Henry never was recon
Most viewed articles in this category:
- What Are Really the Best Toys for Your Children to Play With
Christmas MorningEyes wide and beaming with ear-to-ear smiles, a two year old boy and his five year - Unschooling - What Is It
Unschooling is a method of learning that is not set in stone. In fact, it tends to mean different th - Guide To Homeschooling: How To Teach Unfamiliar Subjects
It is inevitable that as your child advances to a higher homeschooling level, you encounter subjects - Benefits of Home Schooling To Both Parents And Children
Parents choose home schooling for many different reasons. Some families want to build up their famil - How Does Homeschooling Affect College Acceptance
Opponents of homeschooling argue the fact that children who are homeschooled have a much more diffic - Lesson Planning for the Unorganized Mom
You may think that because you are unorganized you'll be facing a next to impossible task, when it c - Multi-Age Home Schooling - Starting And Practicing Algebra
As I'm sure you know algebra and mathematics in general, needs a lot of practice if your child/pupil - Homeschool Art Project Ideas
One of the greatest aspects about homeschooling your children is the fact that you can be as creativ - What Exactly Is Homeschooling
Homeschooling is really quite simple. It's a process where parents have accepted the responsibility - Resources for Homeschooling Help
Whether you are new to homeschooling or a seasoned pro, chances are you'll always need and be on the