what are the challenges? to know how to translate word problems into a workable mathematical...
TRANSCRIPT
What are the challenges?
• To know how to translate word problems into a workable mathematical equation. • To know where to start and how to go about figuring out the answer. • To know the strategies needed to break down a word problem so it is clear and easy to solve.
Students fear and hate doing them!
6 Steps
for
TacklingMath Word Problems
Step 1
Convert the words into an equation.
•Read through the entire problem first. •Don’t try to solve it when you’ve only read one sentence. •Read the problem completely in order to get the whole picture. •Effectively translate and solve the problem.
Step 2
Go back to the beginning.•Reread the first sentence.
•Write down what you know and what you don’t know.
•Use variables to stand for the unknowns and clearly label what they stand for.
•Do the same for the second sentence and each following sentence.
Step 3
Look for Signal Words that mean certain mathematical operations.
Signal Words
Addition
Subtraction
Multiplication
Division
Equals
Addition
Added to Together
Combined Altogether
Increased by Joined
More than Deposit
Plus Sum
Total
Subtraction
Decreased by Less
Difference between Less than
How many more Fewer than
Minus Subtract (from)
How many left Withdraw
How much change Reduce
Amount remaining Deducted
How much greater Debt
Penalty
Multiplication
Multiplied by Of
Product of Times
Twice (2 X) Same amount
Each (with all)
Division
Divided by Out of
Per Percent
Quotient of Ratio of
Each
Share equally
Equals
Are Gives
Is Yields
Sold for Was
Were Will be
Step 4
Perform the required operations.
Step 5
Make sure you are answering the question that is being asked of you.•One step may seem like it’s the answer, but it may
take several steps to arrive at the final answer .
•Don’t lose sight of what the word problem is asking for or asking you to do.
•Label the answer with the unit of measurement or with the object the question is requesting.
Step 6
Mentally or on paper check your answer to make sure it is correct and makes sense.
•Replace the variable in each step with your answer.
•Calculate the equation with the now known variable to see if it satisfies the equation.
If it does, then you’re done!
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Mastering word problems requires practice!
References
http://www.tutorfi.com/Math/challenging mathwordproblems