Math Made Easy: 5 effective strategies to decode word problems and solve them

Word problems can be tricky sometimes, and unless you are able to crack the meaning, you won’t be able to make accurate calculations. Whether you are asked to find a relative’s age or find out the dimensions of a building, it is important to decode the sentences in a given problem before you solve it.

If you are one who struggles with Math word problems, we have some great tips from a Math teacher to help you. Gauri Jain, TGT Mathematics, Apeejay School Faridabad Sector-15, shares five effective strategies to understand and solve Math word problems correctly:

Read carefully and understand the problem

Make sure you read the entire problem carefully several times and understand what it is asking for. Also, break up the problem into smaller segments and identify the important information by highlighting or underlining it.

Also Read: Math Made Easy: Understanding conic sections using carrom board

Identify the problem type

There are different types of word problems such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fraction, and ratio problems. Identifying the type of problem can help you choose the appropriate method to solve it.

Use keywords and symbols

Look for keywords such as “sum,” “difference,” “product,” or “quotient” that indicate the math operation required. Use symbols such as +, -, x, ÷, or fraction bars to represent the operation.

Use visual aids

Draw diagrams, graphs, or tables to help you visualise the problem and organise the information. This can help you see patterns and relationships that can lead to the solution.

Check your work

It is important to check your work after solving the problem to make sure the answer is correct given the context of the problem.

“By using these strategies, you can become more confident in decoding math word problems and solving them accurately,” the teacher says.