Problem Solving

How to get started on a math problem:

1. Read the problem twice
2. Write down all the important information in the problem
3. Restate the question in your own words
4. Write down what you are trying to find
5. Come up with a plan for solving the problem
6. Solve the problem, showing your work
7. Check your answer and make sure it is reasonable in the situation

Steps 1 through 4 are very important!! They will help you do steps 5, 6, and 7.

What should I do if I am stuck on a math problem?

• Have you followed the steps for getting started on a problem?
• Have you looked up any words you do not understand?
• Can you draw a picture or graph to represent the situation?
• Can you find a similar example in the book, in your notes, or online?
• Have you used all of the information in the problem?
• Complete the sentence “I am stuck because . . . “
• Can you come up with a good, specific question to ask about the problem?
  • These are NOT specific questions:
    • “How do you do this?”
    • “What should I do first?”
    • “I don’t get it.”
  • These are specific questions:
    • “I know I need to set up a proportion in this problem. How do I know what to put on the top?”
    • “I know I need to find the slope of the line. How do I find two points that are on the line so I can use the slope formula?”
    • “I know I need to find the period of this sine wave in order to find the equation. Can you show me how to find the period?"
• Do not give up! Take a break if need be and then come back to the problem.