HOW TO SOLVE A WORD PROBLEM IN MATH

The Simple Way

By: Emmanuel Matteer Jr.

STEP #1—Read The Problem Carefully

• Glance through to get an idea of what the problem is about.

• Prepare to find and represent any known and unknown values.

STEP #2—DRAW A REPRESENTATION

• Create either a chart or a diagram to enter your un/known values

• Determine the type of illustration that is appropriate for use to the problem. [e.g., uniform motion, position, mixture, job, etc.,]

• Complete the chart in full.

STEP #3—CREATE AND SOLVE THE EQUATION

• Use the information from the chart to create the equation.

• Then solve for the unknown value• IMPORTANT: Use common sense and

logic when solving; for instance, don’t use any negative answers for problems that deal with real life [area, time, travel, distance].

STEP #4—ANSWER THE QUESTION

• NOTE: Just because you solved the equation for the unknown doesn’t mean that it’s the correct answer!

• Use the value that you have solved for to answer the question that they’re looking for.

• Check your answer to see if it is correct.

SOME HELPFUL TIPS

• Sometimes, take heed of how the teacher wants the problem solved.

• Always include the units with your answers.

• Be familiar with the rules of algebra, quadratic formula and other simple formulas, etc.