Overview: Word Problems Are a Special Kind of Reading
Most people say that word problems or story problems are the most difficult part of math, whether they are still attending school or have graduated. Word problems involve a thorough reading, attention to detail, and finding the equation or equations behind the story presented in the problem. Keywords provide clues to what type of operations the student will use to find the solution, and what the equation will look like.
Read the Problem Thoroughly
The first step to solving a word problem is to read the problem thoroughly to the end. Word problems are different than reading literature or reading in any other content area. They are not written to highlight a main theme, or to present facts about a subject area. Their only purpose is to provide a “real world” context for an application of a particular skill in math, and to solve a problem. That is the only story that “story problems” tell.
Find Similiarities to Other Problems in Homework
Story problems are usually after a section in the math textbook that presents a particular skill, as practice with using that skill. Usually, the problem set will present equations to solve in numerical form first, and then story problems after a few of those equations. Do not be fooled by the story problems, as they have the same type of underlying equation with a lot more words. If the first few questions on a math homework assignment are numerical equations, the story problems will boil down to the same type of equations. Similarly, a math test will test for the type of skills students have already learned.
Use Key Words to Solve the Problem
A story problem’s sole reason for being there is to provide a real-world example of a mathematical relationship. On a second reading, key words stand out as clues to what type of relationship the equation will be. Is the problem asking for a total or a sum? The equation will be an addition problem. If it is asking for a difference or that something is less, it will involve subtraction. If it is asking for how many times, multiplication. Ratio or quotient, will mean division. At that point, drawing a picture or diagram of the problem can help. It doesn’t have to be fancy, as stick figures or boxes will work just as well to clarify the problem.
Make Sure the Answer Fits in the Problem
After finding the equation that underlies the story problem, and solving the problem, it’s also important to plug the numbers back in and make sure the answer makes sense. Checking work is often a required part of math homework, as well as using math in the real world. It also shows that the process is clearly understood.
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