Solving Word Problems Effectively

• Solving word problems is a skill that can be learned and has to be practiced.
• Read the problem until you understand what information is given and what information is asked.
• Write down what is given and what is asked. Determine if unnecessary information is given.
• Make a drawing, a diagram or a table to represent the information.
• Formulate a sentence that uses the given and asked information. If necessary, substitute a number for the unknown quantity. Because you are used to deal with numbers, this often helps you to figure out how to approach the problem.
• Translate that sentence into a math equation.
• Solve the equation.
• Write down the answer with the appropriate unit and other information, such as the speed of the car is 75 miles/hour.
• Check your answer in the original word problem. Be sure the answer makes sense. "Mary is 135 years old" is clearly wrong.

Alternate Problem-solving Approaches

I. Educated Guesses

Often used by inventors.

1. Make an educated guess.
2. Use your guess to solve the problem.
3. Improve your guess based on the outcome of the first trial.
4. Repeat guessing and checking until you find the answer.

II. Working Backwards

Some problems are written so that it is easier to work them by retracing the steps.

III. Simplify the Problem

Simplify the numbers given and rewrite the problem in your own words, ignoring all extraneous information.

IV. Find Patterns

Many problems involve patterns. These can be discovered using tables and then generalizing a rule.

Three Kinds of Thinking for Problem- Solving

Analytical Thinking

• examining a problem
• using available information
• following logical steps

Creative Thinking

• finding several possible alternatives
• looking at old problems in new ways

Critical Thinking

• evaluating facts
• backing up opinions with facts and logic
• judging alternative solutions