Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Understanding the problem
• Part 2 of 3: Developing a plan
• Part 3 of 3: Solving the problem
• Tips

While math problems can be solved in a variety of ways, there is a common method of visualizing, approximating, and solving math problems that will help you solve even the most difficult problems. You can also improve your overall math skills using these strategies. Keep reading to learn more about some of these math problem solving strategies.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Understanding the problem

1. Analyze the type of problem. Is it an issue? A fracture? A square equation? Determine which category best fits the math problem before proceeding. Take the time to identify the type of problem you are dealing with as it is essential to finding the best way to fix it.
2. Read the problem carefully. Even if the problem seems simple, you should read it very carefully. Don't just skim the problem and try to fix it. If the problem is complex, you may have to read the problem several times before you fully understand it. Just take a moment and don't go any further until you are sure of what it takes to fix the problem.
3. State the problem in your own words. To understand the problem properly, it can help to write or read it all in your own words. You can just say it in your own words or write it down if you are in a situation where you cannot speak out loud, such as during a test. Check what you said or wrote about the original problem to make sure you accurately depicted the problem.
4. Draw the problem. If you think it will help with the type of problem you have in front of you, create a visual representation of the problem to better understand what to do. The drawing does not have to be elaborate, it can be just a shape or shapes with numbers. Refer to the problem as you draw and check your drawing with the problem when you are done. Ask yourself, "Does my drawing accurately depict the problem?" If so, you can move on. If not, start over by rereading the problem.
   • Draw a Venn diagram. A Venn diagram shows the relationships between the numbers in your problem. Venn diagrams can be especially useful with issues.
   • Draw a chart or a table.
   • Arrange the parts of the problem in a line.
   • Draw simple shapes to represent the more complex parts of the problem.
5. Look for patterns. Sometimes you can discover a pattern or patterns in a math problem just by reading the problem carefully. You can also create a table so that you can see a pattern or patterns in the problem. Make notes about any patterns you can infer from the problem. These patterns can help you solve the problem and even lead you directly to the answer.
6. Go through your details. Please check that what you have written is correct with the problem to make sure that you have reproduced the numbers and / or other information accurately. Do not proceed with the planning phase until you are sure you have all the required information and that you fully understand the problem. If you don't understand the problem, take a moment to look at some examples in your textbook or online. To help you understand the steps to take to solve this problem, see how other people have solved similar problems properly.

Part 2 of 3: Developing a plan

1. Determine which formulas you need to solve the problem. If the problem is particularly complex, you may need more than one. Take the time to review some of the concepts from your textbook that can help solve this problem.
2. Work out what you need to do to find the answer. Make a step-by-step list of things to do to fix the problem. This list will help you stay organized and focused on solving the problem. You can also use it to estimate the answer before actually solving the problem.
3. Work on a simpler problem first. If there is a simpler problem available that is similar to the one you are trying to solve, work it out first. A simpler problem that requires some of the same steps and formulas can help solve the trickier problem.
4. Make a logical estimate of the answer. Try to estimate the answer before actually solving it. Analyze the numbers and / or other factors that should contribute to your estimate. Review your estimate and how you made it to determine if you left out anything.

Part 3 of 3: Solving the problem

1. Execute your plan. Follow the steps you identified in the order you listed them. Check each of your answers as you write to ensure accuracy.
2. Compare your answers with your estimates. If you have completed each step, you can optionally compare your answers with your estimates for each step, as well as your estimate for the answer to the problem. Ask yourself, "Do my answers match estimates or are they close?" If not, ask why. Please check your answers to make sure you have completed all the steps correctly.
3. Try a different approach. If your plan doesn't work, return to the planning stage and create a new plan. Don't be discouraged if this happens, because mistakes are common when learning how to do something, and mistakes are there to learn from. Accept your mistakes and move on. Try not to dwell on your mistakes for too long or get angry about them.
4. Think about the problem. When you have solved the problem correctly, you can start looking back on your process. Take a moment to think about the problem and how you solved it - this will help you solve it the next time you encounter a similar problem. It will also help you discern all the concepts that you need to study and practice better on. .

Tips

• Ask your teacher or a math teacher for help if you get stuck or have tried multiple strategies without success. Your teacher or math teacher may quickly see what's going wrong and help you understand how to correct it.
• Keep practicing on exercises and diagrams. Review your notes on concepts regularly. Record and use your understanding of the methods.