How to Solve Math Word Puzzles
Trying to solve a math word problem can be somewhat confusing, and for many people makes the challenge of solving the math problem that much harder. If you or your child is having difficulty with word-based math problems, it can lower your or your child's confidence and/or grades, neither of which is very appealing. But you can use many tricks to take those intimidating word problems and turn them into familiar, basic math equations.
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Instructions
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Find the Equation
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1
Read the word problem twice from start to finish.
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2
Determine exactly what the question is asking you to find, and underline this part of the word problem.
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3
Circle any pertinent information in the word problem, such as quantities given or important factors to solving the problem.
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4
Convert all amounts into equal measurements, such as making sure all lengths are in feet or inches, or all weights are in pounds or ounces.
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5
Write out the equation for the problem on a separate sheet of paper, and use letters to fill in any missing information.
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6
Solve the problems to find the solutions.
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7
Use the calculator and work backwards from the solution to check your work.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are still having trouble working out the problem, try drawing a picture to make the problem more clear. For this example problem, you would draw Jane's 12-by-12-inch box, and then see how many smaller, 3-by-3-inch boxes you could draw to scale and fit inside. Look for a pattern in the problem that might help you find the solution. On a multiple choice test, once you have figured out the equation, you can plug the answer choices they give you and then try the problem to see if it works.
This explanation for solving simple words is addressing algebraic word problems. This technique could also be applied to geometric problems, but more advanced math problems may require more steps.
