Steps to Solving Word Problems

Problem-Solving Strategies

There are four basic steps to involved in solving

a word problem:
1.

Know all the factors of the problem.

Be able to interpret mathematical terminology.

2. Name and explore possible solution paths.

Use similar problems that have been solved before which
may relate to the current problem.

3.

Choose a path then solve the problem.

Carefully use sequential steps during the process.

4. Review your result.

It is important to review the results of a problem in order to
cancel any uncertainties.

Look for a pattern.

Observing and then

determining a series of
examples is the best way to
use this method. All
mathematical problems
have some sort of pattern.
Example:
10, 9, __, __, __, 5
12, 24, 36, __, __, 72, 84

Make a table
Creating a table can help to organize information, enabling a

clear view of a patterns formation. This should lead to an idea

on how to formulate the solution to the problem.
Example:
Fraction

Decimal

Percent

1/2

0.5

50%

3/4

0.75

75%

26/65

0.2

20%

3.25

325%

3/10

o.3

30%

9/20

0.45

45%

5/4

1.25

125%

Identify a sub-goal.
Cut the original problem into small segments that will

eventually lead to the problems solution. By using

this method it guides you in understanding how a
problems solution is solved from start to finish.
Example (algebra):

[5(x + 2) - 3x] - [3(y - 7) + 4y]

[5x + 10 - 3x] - [3y - 21 + 4y]
[2x + 10] - [7y - 21]
2x + 10 - 7y + 21
2x - 7y + 31

Examine a similar problem.

A current problem at times may resemble a

previously solved problem. In the event that this

ever occurs, it is possible to use a similar approach
to the current problem.
Example:
Current Problem: x + x = ?
Previously solved problem: y + y = 2y

Work backwards.
Usually after solving a problem,

reviewing it over in reverse can help

to identify any mistakes that might
have gone unnoticed before.
Example:

Here the answer to a math problem is

already given, but to figure out the
initial equation it must be solved in
reverse. x + 5x + 6

(x+2)(x+3)

Use factors
of 6 that
are equal
to sum of 5

The sum
must be
equal to 5

1x6=6

1+6=7

2x3=6

2+3=5

Draw a diagram
Drawing diagrams help display an image to be

used as a visual referential database.

Drawing diagrams definitely go hand in hand
with geometrical problems.
Example:
The population growth of one country in comparison
to another one.

Draw a diagram
The population growth of the Cayman Islands

compared to Bermuda from 1960 to 2010.

70,000
60,000
50,000

Bermuda
64,237 (2010)

40,000
30,000

Cayman Islands
56,230 (2010)

20,000
10,000
0
1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

2010

Translate into an equation.

Words, numbers and phrases can be replaced with exponents

(e.g. y = 45). This strategy is regularly used in algebra.

Example:

P= 2W + 2L
288 = 2W + 2(44+W)
288 = 2W + 88 +2W
288 88 = 2W + 2W
200 = 4W
4W4 = 2004
W = 50cm

L = 44 + W
L = 44 + 50
L = 94cm

Find the length and width of a rectangle

when the perimeter is equal to 288cm and
the length is equal to 44 plus the width.
L = 44 + W
W

W
L = 44 + W
P = Perimeter
W = Width
L = Length

Conclusion
The usage of all these helpful steps and strategies

of problem solving will essentially make math and

science subjects less difficult to understand.

Conclusion
The usage of all the helpful steps and strategies of

problem solving will essentially make math and

science subjects less difficult to understand.