A Strategy for Solving Math Word Problems

1. Survey the Math Problem
When trying to solve a math word problem the first thing you should do is read the entire problem in order to get a good idea of what the problem is about. Try to determine what the problem is requiring, what parts of the problem are most important and if there is any information in the problem that is not relevant to solving the problem.

2. Question
Now that you're familiar with the problem try and figure out what the problem is asking you to do (i.e. estimate, caluculate area, multiply, etc.) You can't solve a problem is you don't know what you're trying to solve.

3. Read
Now go back and read the math word problem again but this time focus on the specific details of the problem. Identify which parts of the problem relate to each other and try and figure out what form your answers should be in (i.e. millimeters, meters, liters, gallons, time units, etc.).

4. Question
After re-reading the the problem paying close attention to the specific details determine which math operation(s) the problem will require. List the operations in the orer to be performed on a piece of paper.

5. Compute
You're now ready to perform each math operation. Peform each operation in the order listed on your paper and check off each one as it is completed.

6. Question
Take a look at your answer(s) and determine if your answer seems reasonable. If it doesn't appear reasonable we recommend that you go back repeat the step above and check your answers at each step of the operation and make necessary corrections until you arrive a reasonable answer.