How to Solve Long Math Problems

Improve your strategies for solving long mathematics problems.

Solving long mathematics problems are akin to miniature wars of attrition. Long math problems are designed to assess critical thinking on a multilevel scale. With a little bit of practice and preventing yourself from trying to jump ahead in the problem, long math problems really turn into chopped up short problems combined in sequence.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Scratch paper
• Calculator

Instructions

1. Record all given information about the problem.

2. Draw a diagram using the given information to help get a visual idea of the problem.

3. Break the problem down into at least two parts and take note of which operations you will need to utilize to solve the problem.

4. In order to learn and reinforce missed concepts, check your solutions by practicing problems for which you have access to the answers.

5. Collaborate with a colleague or peer and verbally walk them through each and every part of your thought process on the problem.

6. Practice multiple problems with similar concepts to facilitate learning.

7. Use the following model to tackle any long math problem if you need more structure for your problem solving: Read, Know, Plan, Solve, Check.

8. Keep a notebook specifically for recording all of your problem solving practice so you can refer back if needed. Remember to practice problems from as many different sources as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice from more than one source to optimize understanding.

References

• Synthesis of Research on Problem Solving

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish