HOW TO SOLVE WORD PROBLEMS IN MATHEMATICS

The techniques and methods we apply to solve word problems in math will vary from problem to problem.

The techniques and methods we apply to solve a word problem in a particular topic in math will not work for another word problem found in some other topic.

For example, the methods we apply to solve the word problems in algebra will not work for the word problems in trigonometry.

Because, in algebra, we will solve most of the problems without any diagram. But, in trigonometry, for each word problem, we have to draw a diagram. Without diagram, always it is bit difficult to solve word problems in trigonometry.

Even though we have different techniques to solve word problems in different topics of math, let us see the steps which are most commonly used.

Steps Involved in Solving Word Problems in Mathematics

Step 1 :

Understanding the question is more important than any other thing. That is, always it is very important to understand the information given in the question rather than solving.

Step 2 :

If it is possible, we have to split the given information. Because, when we split the given information in to parts, we can understand them easily.

Step 3 :

Once we understand the given information clearly, solving the word problem would not be a challenging work.

Step 4 :

When we try to solve the word problems, we have to introduce "x" or "y" or some other alphabet for unknown value (=answer for our question). Finally we have to get value for the alphabet which was introduced for the unknown value.

Step 5 :

If it is required, we have to draw picture for the given information. Drawing picture for the given information will give us a clear understanding about the question.

Step 6 :

Using the alphabet introduced for unknown value, we have to translate the English statement (information) given in the question as mathematical equation.

In translation, we have to translate the following English words as the corresponding mathematical symbols.

of -------> x (multiplication)

am, is, are, was, were, will be, would be --------> = (equal)

Step 7 :

Once we have translated the English Statement (information) given in the question as mathematical equation correctly, 90% of the work will be over. The remaining 10% is just getting the answer. That is solving for the unknown.

These are the steps most commonly involved in solving word problems in mathematics.

Let us see how these steps are involved in solving a word problem in math in the following example.

How to Solve Word problems in Mathematics - Example

Question :

The age of a man is three times the sum of the ages of his two sons and 5 years hence his age will be double the sum of their ages. Find the present age of the man.

HOW TO SOLVE WORD PROBLEMS IN MATHEMATICS

Steps Involved in Solving Word Problems in Mathematics

How to Solve Word problems in Mathematics - Example

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