How to Solve Math Word Problems - Solving Math Word Problems - By: CY Lack

Although Math word problems can be challenging, learning how to solve them can be both fun and exciting. You may disagree with me, but it is indeed true. The only barrier is your approach to the task. After learning some interesting methods and techniques for solving math word problems, your previous misconception about maths will change forever!

Basic math word problems are merely a combination of language tricks and easy calculations. In fact, if you are already competent in English, solving challenging math word problems can be a piece of cake for you. Some students are good with numbers, but their thinking process become messy when some language is added. Let’s look at some simple methods to get you going to face these problems. It is important to remember to always have a positive frame of mind and be confident that you will eventually get the right answer no matter how long it takes.

Steps in Solving Math Word Problems

Firstly, do not to be overwhelmed by the number of words or the amount of information when faced with some math word problems. They can be primary or secondary school’s math word problems or even complicated college level problems. Half your battles are won if you approach the problem with a confident and clear frame of mind. Teachers and parents should encourage confident and clear thinking by introducing interactive puzzle solving, riddles, oral word games or casual discussions about questions. These will help to increase inquisitive and analytical thinking, especially if started from an early age.

Since different people take different amounts of time to fully comprehend a problem, regular practice is essential for the mastery of solving elementary math word problems. These are the steps you may follow:

The first step is to read the problem to get a brief idea about the problem quickly. This is to determine the parts of the problem that are important, and those that are redundant. Assess the problem based on these factors. The next part is determining exactly what is required to be done or what is needed to be done in the question. For example, determine whether the question demands addition, division, multiplication or division and whether the parameters, like age, height, or measure of a quantity is required.

Next step is to read the question again. But this time, analyze all the relevant information that can assist you in solving the problem. Decide on the appropriate methods or techniques that have been learned. Check that units are used correctly and check whether the final answer requires the same or different form. This should help to ensure a better understanding of the problem and also avoids any careless or unnecessary errors in processing the information.

Break down the problem into parts, and ask yourself what is needed to get to the final answer. A problem is often divided into sub-parts which must be processed logically one part after another. Avoid jumping to conclusions and carefully extract the relevant information to get going with the process.

Once you have understood and gathered all the required information, solve the problem carefully by avoiding errors in calculations and unit conversions. Check that the answer obtained is logical, in order to avoid any misrepresentation. Very often, the calculation is accurate, but you may have put in the wrong unit or simply forget to add one zero and so on. Look out for such anomalies while solving math word problems. When you follow these steps, in the exact sequence, you will definitely find it much easier to solve any Mathematical problem.

Finally, constantly facing the task and challenging your intellect is the key to learn how to solve math problems easily and effectively. So, the ultimate step is to practice, practice and practice. The more hours of practice you put in, the easier the process becomes. As you experience and attempt many types of Math word problems, the various different methods and techniques become etched in your mind.

About the Author

CY Lack is an experienced educator who has been teaching English and Mathematics for more than 15 years. His mission in life is to try to improve the English and Mathematics standards of students in Singapore. He is currently working with a few private schools and tuition centres in Singapore. For more information, please visit his website at Singapore Math Lessons.

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