Verbal Problem Solving
Verbal and problem solving
There are two steps to solving math word problems: 1. Translate the wording into a numeric equation that combines smaller "expressions" 2. Solve the equation!
Suggestions:
* Read the problem entirely
Get a feel for the whole problem * List information and the variables you identify
Attach units of measure to the variables (gallons, miles, inches, etc.) * Define what answer you need, as well as its units of measure * Work in an organized manner
Working clearly will help you think clearly * Draw and label all graphs and pictures clearly * Note or explain each step of your process; this will help you track variables and remember their meanings * Look for the "key" words (above)
Certain words indicate certain mathematical operations:
Math expressions (examples): after you review the keywords, test yourself addition: 5+x | subtraction: 5-x | multiplication: 5*x; 5x | division: 5 ÷ x; 5/x | Exercise: ("mouse over" the block for answer) | Key words for addition + increased by; more than; combined together; total of; sum; added to | What is the sum of 8 and y? | 8 + y | Express the number (x) of apples increased by two | x + 2 | Express the total weight of
Alphie the dog (x) and Cyrus the cat (y) | x + y | Key words for Subtraction - less than, fewer than, reduced by, decreased by, difference of | What is four less than y | y - 4 | What is nine less than a number (y) | y - 9 | What if the number (x) of pizzas was reduced by 6? | x - 6 | What is the difference of my weight (x) and your weight (y) | x - y | Key words for multiplication * x or integers next to each other (5y, xy): of, times, multiplied by | What is y multiplied by 13 | 13y or 13 * y | Three runners averaged "y" minutes.
Express their total running time: | 3y | I drive my car at 55 miles per hour.
How far will I go in "x" hours? | 55x | Key words for division ÷ / per, a; out of; ratio of, quotient of; percent (divide by 100) |
There are two steps to solving math word problems: 1. Translate the wording into a numeric equation that combines smaller "expressions" 2. Solve the equation!
Suggestions:
* Read the problem entirely
Get a feel for the whole problem * List information and the variables you identify
Attach units of measure to the variables (gallons, miles, inches, etc.) * Define what answer you need, as well as its units of measure * Work in an organized manner
Working clearly will help you think clearly * Draw and label all graphs and pictures clearly * Note or explain each step of your process; this will help you track variables and remember their meanings * Look for the "key" words (above)
Certain words indicate certain mathematical operations:
Math expressions (examples): after you review the keywords, test yourself addition: 5+x | subtraction: 5-x | multiplication: 5*x; 5x | division: 5 ÷ x; 5/x | Exercise: ("mouse over" the block for answer) | Key words for addition + increased by; more than; combined together; total of; sum; added to | What is the sum of 8 and y? | 8 + y | Express the number (x) of apples increased by two | x + 2 | Express the total weight of
Alphie the dog (x) and Cyrus the cat (y) | x + y | Key words for Subtraction - less than, fewer than, reduced by, decreased by, difference of | What is four less than y | y - 4 | What is nine less than a number (y) | y - 9 | What if the number (x) of pizzas was reduced by 6? | x - 6 | What is the difference of my weight (x) and your weight (y) | x - y | Key words for multiplication * x or integers next to each other (5y, xy): of, times, multiplied by | What is y multiplied by 13 | 13y or 13 * y | Three runners averaged "y" minutes.
Express their total running time: | 3y | I drive my car at 55 miles per hour.
How far will I go in "x" hours? | 55x | Key words for division ÷ / per, a; out of; ratio of, quotient of; percent (divide by 100) |