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Solving Math Word problems is not easy! A lot of students have difficulty with Math problems but employing some basic techniques will help you:
Key steps in solving math word problems
Once you go through these steps you will be an expert in solving math word problems.
Ask until it gets clear
Math Word Problems are all about the concepts so it is important that you are clear on the 'process' of how to solve a Math word problem. It is important to ask questions and get clarity on the concepts. Once a new topic is introduced you should write it down, review it and in case of any doubts bring it up with your tutor. This process of continuously revising what you learn will gear you up to solve problems.
Read it carefully
It is important to read the word problem you intend to solve slowly and carefully in order to understand what is it that you need to solve. At times you miss out on important information when you give it a quick reading.
Break the problem into parts
Before you get around to solving a Math word problem it is important to break it into parts. Clearly define what you need to do, what all information has been given in the problem and what you already know. Once you have that written down it gets easier to solve the problem.
Math word problems can be categorized in to various areas:
1) Numbers word problems
2) Algebra word problems
3) Geometry word problems
4) Calculus word problems
5) Trigonometry word problems
6) Probability and Statistics word problems
Some math word problem examples
Example 1: Translate the following expressions in to math
i) Difference of x and y
ii) Ratio of 3 more than x to x
Solution:
i) Difference of x and y translates to x-y
ii) Ratio of 3 more than x to x translates to (3+x) / x
In a word problem x can be age of a person, amount of money, etc...
Let us look at it here
In 3 years from now the ratio of John's age to Jack's age then is 6, How old is John now if Jack is 12 years old now.
(John+3) / (Jack+3) = 6
If you work out the math you will get John's age as 87. Assuming they are related John might be Jack's Grandfather!
