Math Problems Strategy

Initial Understanding

Before solving, make sure you understand the problem:

Read carefully. What are you being asked to find? Circle or underline the question.
Identify the problem type. Is it algebra, geometry, percent, probability, etc.?
Note what information you have and what you need to find.
Estimate if possible. What should your answer be close to? This helps catch errors later.
Draw a diagram if the problem involves shapes, distances, or visual relationships.
Check answer choices. Are they in the range of your estimate? Do they give clues about what form the answer should take?

Word Problems

Follow a systematic approach:

Read twice. Read the problem once to get the general idea, then read again carefully to catch all details.
Identify what you're solving for. What is the question asking? What unit should your answer have?
Write down what you know. List the given information and label what each number represents.
Ignore irrelevant information. Word problems often include extra details to distract you.
Draw a diagram or model when possible (especially for geometry, rate, or comparison problems).
Identify the relationship between quantities. Is it part-whole? Rate × time? Proportional?
Break multi-step problems into parts. Solve one step at a time in logical order.
Check your answer. Does it make sense in context? Is it reasonable?

Common word problem types:

Rate problems — Use: distance = rate × time (or similar formulas)
Percent problems — Find part, whole, or percent. Watch for "of" (multiply) and "is" (equals). May need to compare original value with a new value.
Ratio/proportion — Set up equivalent fractions and cross-multiply

⚠️ Warning: Don't rely solely on keywords like "more" or "total." Read the entire problem carefully. "John has 5 more apples than Mary" requires subtraction to find Mary's amount if you know John's, even though "more" appears.

MathOtter™ is a trademark of Pickut Technologies, Inc.