Solving math word problems can be a challenge for anyone! The subject isn’t laid out in pure numeric form so not only are you solving a mathematical challenge, you have to break down the text and thoroughly understand it in order to truly comprehend what is being asked of you. You then have to dissect the text to make sure that you have all of the information required to then build the mathematical problem in order for it to be solved. Phew! Overwhelming! Especially if language comprehension is also a challenge for your child.
Here are some math word solving tips from an experienced math tutor that can help your child to succeed when dealing with challenging math word problems.
Firstly beak down the math word problem into two parts. 1, take time to read through the problem and make sure that you understand the problem that is being explained. Make sure the language makes sense and there is no vocabulary that is confusing to your child. Very often math word problems come in the form of a short story with a logical outline that requires a mathematical answer for the outcome.
Keep in mind that a clue as to whether your answer is correct, will very often match logically to the “Story” of the word problem. For example if asking a distance and time related question about driving a car for 1 hour the probability of the answer being over several million miles is highly unlikely!
After you have read and understood the question break it down to translate the wording to extract the numeric values that you need. Gather all of the numeric elements, and then decide what type of equation is being asked of you.
For example, is it multiplication? Is it division? Are you going to need to apply several different formulas and sums to get to your final answer?
Take your time to figure this out and then begin to build your equation or sum that you need to find the answer.
It is at this point that you can start to solve the equation and analyse your results.
It will help to make a list of the variables as you go through the problem. Keep in mind all of the different units of measurements such as inches, kms, litres etc so that you don’t put the wrong values into the problem.
Make sure that your answer is in the correct unit that has been asked of you. Sometimes all your hard work could be wasted without defining the unit at the very end of the problem so make sure that you include the unit answer at the end too!
Keeping your problem solving as organized as possible will not only make it easier for you to go back if you happen to come into problems or go wrong at some point, but it will also show the person grading you how you reached your answer and you may get bonus points for showing this or at least get some marks even if the final answer is incorrect. It will also help your tutor to see exactly where things went wrong if they did.
Track your variables and note how you reached your answers. This will help you for future learning and revision later on .
Out tutors at Mathnasium can help your child with all types of mathematical learning problems including algebra, word problems and basic mathematics. Whatever your child may be struggling with, we can help. Contact us today to find out how Mathnasium of Country Hills in NE Calgary can help your child to understand and succeed when solving math word problems.
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