How to Solve Easy Math Word Problems

Frank Howard Clark said, "I think the next best thing to solving a problem is finding some humor in it." What Mr. Clark would like to convey with this is that the way to solving easy math word problems is by having fun with the problems. And in having fun with them, there are two simple steps in solving math word problems:

Step 1: Translate the words into a numeric expression or equation

Math word problems can be converted into a series of expressions or equations containing a combination of mathematical expressions. To be able to translate these word problems you have to follow these steps:

1. Read the problem very well and in its entirety. Get the full perspective of the problem. Reading it in full will give you an idea of what the real problem is.

2. List all the factors provided. Make a list of all the given variables including units of measurement if available. Having all these information available will show you if you need to do any conversion like from miles to kilometers, pounds to kilograms, etc.

3. Define what needs to be answered. Be sure to know what you are looking for or what the problem needs to answer.

4. Organize your solution. Provide the procedures or steps you will take to find the answer to the problem. Showing the step-by-step procedure will help you track all the variables and expressions you are using.

5. Be aware of the key words. In translating and solving the problem, you should be aware of the basic key words in translating words into algebraic equations, such as:
Addition: added to, increased by, more than, sum of, total of, combined with
Subtraction: decreased by, subtracted from, less than, difference of, reduced by, fewer than
Multiplication: multiplied by, times, product of
Division: divided by, quotient of, remainder of, percentage, ratio of, per
Certain key words suggest specific mathematical operations that should be done to the given factors or variables.

6. Plot the expression or equation. Plot the expressions or equation properly following the order of operations.

Step 2: Solve the mathematical equation

To solve a mathematical equation, follow the order of operations by level:

• compute first all those inside parentheses or the innermost expressions
• compute those with exponents, raised to a power or root of
• multiply or divide from left to right
• add or subtract from left to right

It would be easy to solve the equation by writing down the answers for each level before going to the next level. Here is an example:

X = ((2 * 3) + (3²) + (20/4) - (2 * 6)) * 2 + (3 * 8) - (4 * 5)
X = ((6) + (9) + (5) - (12)) * 2 + (24) - (20)
X = (6 + 9 + 5 - 12) * 2 + (24 - 20)
X = (8) * 2 + (4)
X = 8 * 2 + 4
X = 16 + 4
X = 20

From the sample equation above you will the order operations that were followed in solving the equation.

With these two simple steps to follow there is no need for you to just stop and stare and pray for divine intervention to be able to solve a math word problem! Now you can safely say that Math is easy and that it isn't hard to solve math word problems.

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Math Problem Solving Tips

An Experienced Math Tutor's Tips for Solving Math Word Problems

As a teacher and math tutor, I have seen many students struggle with solving word problems. Who of us doesn't remember being asked questions about 2 trains leaving different stations at different speeds, and being asked to figure out when they will meet? While some of us love these types of problems, many others have great difficulty tackling these sorts of questions. Often we just don't know where to begin, or what strategies we should be using to try to find an answer.

This article is intended to help people who struggle with word problems, by providing them with a 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?

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Help With How to Solve Math Problems

How to solve math problems can be a particularly daunting task for many students. Are huge number of people have a lot of difficulty with math although there are a number of ways which you can get round the main problems and if you keep positive and dedicated, you should certainly be able to do quite well.

Firstly, it is important not to be afraid to ask questions and write down anything that you're not sure of. The difficulty that many people have with mathematics, is that they have to be a hundred percent focused. This can be difficult and if you lose your concentration for a moment, you will often have to start over again.

This can be really frustrating and can severely hinder the learning process. This is where it is extremely important to keep notes at all times. As soon as something comes to your head, write it down. It is always a big mistake to only right down the answers when they come to you, if they come to you. You need to be able to study the problem intensely and when you have the first clue of how you might be able to solve it, you should write down their clue as clearly as possible.

You should also spend a considerable amount of time practicing. This does not mean that you have to spend several hours in one time; quite the contrary. You should spend maybe half an hour a day or even less but as long as it is on a regular basis, revising over what you have learned.

Collect as many of the objects needed for the math problem 4 + 3 = ___ For this skill building exercise we'll use toy cars. Line the cars up across the top of your child's homework page. (As the parent, you need to remember that linear thought is nearly impossible at this stage, so the cars will act as a visual cue to whatever the math problem might be.) Have your child read the problem out loud in its entirety while you verbally provide reassurance that s/he CAN solve the problem before, during, and after the reading. Next, have your child count out the appropriate number of cars for the largest number (4) and put the cars in the middle of the homework page (or wherever the child prefers the cars be placed, as long as the cars are front and center, because the object here is to give the child a tangible focus for what s/he perceives as intangible, i.e., the math problem). Now have your child count out the next number (3) one car at a time to add to the first 4. When your child reaches the correct answer of seven, s/he should be beaming, because s/he'll have accomplished something s/he'd originally perceived as impossible, and now should see math as something that s/he is very capable of. As you can see, this method will work for a long time for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, although you may have to switch your tool to pennies to manage the larger numbers!

This will help program it into your mind and you will better be able to cope with the problems that arise in tests and exams. Having regular that short revision sessions are essential to any learning process.

A word of caution here. Don't punish your child when they initially struggle with the activity, nor should you or others say to them, "That's wrong." Instead, try using phrases like, "Are you sure? Let's look at that again." Keep trying until the child gets it right, then clap and make a big deal out of the correct identification just like you did (or may be doing) with potty training. The idea is to build links in the brain, not create more barriers, which negative language can cause. Soon your little one will be marching around telling everyone they know that they are a big girl/boy because they can put on their own shoes! As a parent, you may never know which small accomplishment will provide the breakthrough that your child needs to stop complaining and start getting excited about learning.
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Mathematics Lessons - Find Them Online and Get Your Problems Solved

Mathematics is a subject that people use throughout their lives and most often unknowingly. As a kid many people were afraid of the mathematics lessons and this continues till date. Kids fear the calculations and therefore get low grades in their respective classes. Most of the lessons and concepts in mathematics is not understood or conceived by kids just because they fear doing them. Today, learning mathematics is different and the main reason is that the style of teaching has been changed so that more and more students are able to conceive the concepts and grasp them in a better way.

Most of the schools give stress on the pattern of teaching so that more and more students enjoy learning mathematics and other subjects. Many have left the traditional way of teaching as there are many drawbacks of that system. The teachers are being trained in that way and learning is more related to activities rather than giving lectures to the students. As an adult, every person has to face mathematics every now and then in life. It is not just that you used the calculator or believed the salesman at the shopping mall and paid whatever was asked.

If you will analyze the facts you will understand that you need mathematics to sustain in life from day to night. In fact, this keeps us disciplined and helps doing a lot of work on time and helps us get some rest as well. Learning mathematics is important at work and business. We do plenty of calculations daily and we cannot ignore the omnipresence of mathematics no matter to what post we belong. If you think about anything in life, you will not find it free from calculations.

From business transactions to money making, from counting burgers you ate to calculating and managing things in your limited salary, you need mathematics in every aspect of life. So, if you find that you are poor at calculations, you can easily opt for learning mathematics by joining classes online. Remember, there is nothing to be ashamed of because you should not feel pity for the person who cannot count but for the one who refuses to count.

So, learn and practice problem solving maths from the time you are in school so that you do not have to face embarrassment afterwards in life. The most remarkable thing about today is that though math is vital in life, there are many ways in which you can master things nowadays.

Suggestions in Solving Math Problems

Mathematical problem solving are number problems. It is all about injecting the right strategy and process in arriving at an answer. It has two stages - the problem execution and the problem representation.

Define the problem first and set a strategy on how to solve it. Be analytical.

Suggestions to Help Solve Math Problems:

- Pay attention in class. Avoid unnecessary distractions that will take your concentration away from the lesson. Confer with classmates at the end of the period, not during class lectures. 

- Repeat in your mind the things a professor says. 

- Taking notes is often not good while a lecture is ongoing. It divides your attention. Focus on the lecture first, and jot down the important points later. 

- Solve as many similar problems about a subject for mastery. 

- Some problem solving maths have more than one method of solving. Learn all the methods and see what is least complicated for you. 

- Get a copy of the solution of a problem you find difficult to solve. Study the solution carefully. 

- Solve many problems. It is the only way to practice. 

- Understand and master basic principles and ideas. These are the foundation of even the most complex problems. 

- Understanding the logic behind helps in memorizing various formulas and theories. 

- Never hesitate to ask a teacher. They are ready to help. 

- Ask help from friends and classmates. 

- Get a tutor if needed. 

- Read supplements about the subject. Do not rely on class lectures alone. 

- Hints are sometimes better than giving up immediately.

Mathematics is fun to learn. Do not be easily scared at the sight of numbers. Mathematical problems all require simple logic and analysis. Do not be pressured too much to excel in the subject immediately. Do not be easily discouraged. Devise ways to make studying math a fun learning experience rather than a tedious task to do. When you begin to stop thinking about grades, true learning begins.

Discuss With Your Tutor and Solve Math Problems Instantly

The Fact Behind Math Problems

Math is a big hurdle for students as many of them try to solve tricky math problems without knowing the relevant concepts properly. It is a different subject and it demands concentration and step-by-step understanding. It sharpens students' logical reasoning skill. But studying Math is not a good experience for everybody. Most of the students go from one class to another without getting a concrete idea about different concepts and hence, they face difficulties in solving tough mathematical problems. They lose interest in Math and end up with disappointment.

4 Steps to Learn Math

Math seems a tough subject to many students, so every student needs a proper guidance to learn Math step-by-step. Some useful tips to improve problem solving maths skills are discussed below.

• Understanding the problem is required to solve any tricky sum. Students need to focus on the problems to get solutions.

• Each Math question gives some known and unknown information. Students are required to identify these information to get the right solution.

• Practice can make a student better in Math, so students should practice each topic as much as they can. Several websites offer free worksheets. Students can download and practice these whenever they need help.

• After completion of the entire syllabus, students need to revise it thoroughly. Without revision, students may forget the concepts and formulas and can face the same learning difficulty again.

Discussion With Tutors Is a Great Way to Solve Math Problems

Students can discuss their learning problems with the tutors. It is the easiest way to get comfortable with Math. Students can clear their doubts in a step-by-step manner as subject experts can give a fair idea on each topic. They help in enhancing student's confidence and give several worksheets on each topic. Thus, students can do more practice and get a good command over each topic. Additionally, discussions with tutors can reduce exam anxiety.



Online Math Help Improves Student's Mathematical Skill

Online tutoring makes learning any subject easy and comfortable. Students can opt for online assistance for any subject including Math. Several positive features of online learning keep students' stress free. With this service, students can schedule their tutoring session anytime from home. Thus, they can save their time and energy and additionally, the virtual environment of online session allows students to clear their doubts unhesitatingly. So students can enhance their mathematical skill by scheduling required numbers of sessions with their preferred tutor.

The Effect of Good Solved Math Problems in Education

There are probably an infinite number of math problems. When you are studying math in elementary or high school, you have no idea of the huge world of math that exists at the college and post-college levels. Additionally, when you're studying elementary-level math, its sometimes hard to make the connection between seemingly-insignificant math problems and the ultimate power that math has to solve problems in real life.



Think of medicine, for example. Students who started out the same as you and I, learning about square roots and fractions in elementary and junior high schools, have ended up using math to solve major health problems such as polio and tetanus. By turning health problems into math problems, collecting data and turning it into numbers, public health workers and epidemiologists figured out what was causing these diseases. Then, they found the problem solving maths and figured out how to get rid of the diseases.

Without the beginning elements of addition, subtraction, algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics, this could not have happened. Mastery of finding solutions to math problems allowed scientists to solve health problems and relieve human suffering. By performing statistical analysis of the numbers, they developed vaccines for these problems. All of this would be impossible without math.

At the college level, students usually see those seemingly meaningless math problems, like how much bread Joe can carry if his bicycle has a basket that is 1 foot by 1 foot, turn into real-life issues. If you study social science, you'll do research using math. When they get to graduate school, the statistical part of the math problems is often done with SPSS. However, the student has to understand what the data is telling her/him and know how to input it into the program in order for it to work.

Improving your house is also another area where you will encounter math problems. If you want to repaint one or several walls, you have to figure out many issues. Though this may seem pretty simple, you still have to know how to add, multiply, divide, subtract, and do basic algebra. Its for this reason that everyone in the United States is required to achieve at least a basic competency in math. People who study education are aware that all aspects of our daily lives involve math in many ways.

For a lot of people the simple words "math problems" always go together and seem like a negative thing. We think of the word "problem" as something we want to get rid of. It would be better if we called them "math puzzles" instead. Isn't that more inviting? Math puzzles would be something fun, playful, or exciting.Problem has a negative connotation, whereas puzzle sounds mysterious and exciting, something you just want to delve into to figure out how to put it together. And that's what math is about.

When we do math problems, we take various parts of the puzzle, various concepts, and we put them together. That is the mystery part and provides the frame for the puzzle. In real life we always have some elements of the puzzle, like the speed of a vehicle and how far the vehicle is going to go. That's the information that we have to put together with the concepts. We can put the concepts together with the information and that's how we complete the puzzle. This is what math problems really are.