A STRATEGY FOR SOLVING WORD PROBLEMS
(last update Mon, Mar 8, 2004)
If you have math word problems in your technical textbooks, here is a procedure that will make it easy for you to decide which formula goes with which problem. Before you read the chapter, do the following:
  1. Read the math problems at the end of the chapter and highlight the key words.
  2. Group the problems based on the key words in them. Problems with similar key words usually will use the same formula.
  3. Look for the section of the chapter where those key words and similar problems are located; this will usually be where you will find the formula for those problems.
  4. Put the number of the problems that go with that particular formula next to the formula. Also put the page number where the formula is next to the problems.
  5. Read the formula and highlight it, so it is very visible.
  6. Read the text that surrounds the formula, determine the elements of the formula, and look at the steps to solve the formula.
  7. Read the sample problems that go with the formula to see how the steps are applied.
  8. Make up a chart listing what you have and what you're looking for those problems. See the sample worksheet.
  9. Fill the chart in with the numbers and quantities from the problems that go with that formula.
  10. Solve the problems that go with that particular formula.
  11. Make a math formula worksheet for that formula using the model given on the attached handout.
  12. Take a break.
  13. Then choose another set of problems and go look for the formula that goes with, and follow the same process.
  14. Keep doing this until you finish the chapter.

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