I. Sort out - get as much information as possible

II. Identify and define the problem

III. Gather facts

IV. Brainstorm solutions - be creative

V. Identify most reasonable, practical, or feasible
solutions

VI. Prioritize - evaluate (What is workable now?)

VII. Select a solution and alternatives

VIII. Plan - establish steps for implementing solution
establish criteria for determining success

IX. Provide checkpoints to measure progress
Feedback for progress
Determine continuation or to try alternatives

X. Completion
Evaluation

Math - Word Problems

Step 1 Review. Read carefully - every word and symbol
1. Get the big picture
2. Learn what the problem is about.

what is the general idea of problem?
what kind of variables?
what is known; what is unknown?
what facts are included?
what situation is the problem based on?

3. Look for words with special meaning
4. Underline clue words, signals
5. Express situation in your own words

create a visual picture
think out loud - verbalize

Step 2 Question
A. What is it you are to find?
Look for key question (usually end of problem)
"What is______ ?"
"Find______ ?"
"How many______ ?"
B. What information is not necessary?
C. Is there a pattern?
D. Write out question if it is not obvious in problem

Step 3 Read and Rewrite
A. Re-read slowly - translate into algebra (usually bit by bit; phrase by phrase)

B. Look for two types of information:

Information used to express relationships
Information used to write equality statement

C. Make the algebra look like the English Equation

Step 4 Solve the equation
A. Use precise sequential steps

B. Do not try to speed up by skipping steps

Step 5 Test or check your answer
A. Is the answer reasonable, probable?

B. Close to your estimation?

Math Anxiety Bill of Rights

I have the right to learn at my own pace and not feel put down or stupid if I'm slower than someone else.

I have the right to ask whatever questions I have.

I have the right to need extra help.

I have the right to ask a teacher or TA for help.

I have the right to say I don't understand.

I have the right to feel good about myself regardless of my abilities in math.

I have the right not to base my self-worth on my math skills.

I have the right to view myself as capable of learning math.

I have the right to evaluate my math instructors and how they teach.

I have the right to relax.

I have the right to be treated as a competent adult.

I have the right to dislike math.

I have the right to define success in my own terms.

Word Problems

Word problems are often difficult for many students. In order to work this type of problem you must translate the written statements into numerical expressions or equations. There are certain symbols which can replace a word or phrase. Below is a list of clue words followed by an example using mathmatical symbols.

Words that mean to add:

1. sum: the sum of 2,6,and 8: 2 + 6 + 8

2. total: the total of the four prices: $.93, $.95, $.72, $.89: $.93 + $.95 + $.72 + $.89

3. plus: $3 plus $6: $3 + $6

4. increase: his weekly salary of $100 will be increased by $10: $100 + $10

5. more: 8 more that 7: 8 + 7

Words that mean to substract:

1. difference: the difference of 8 and : 8 - 2

2. fewer: there are 12 fewer students than the 30 who began: 30 - 12

3. less: the cost was $96 less a discout of $10: $96 - $10

4. reduce: the staff of 12 was reduced by 4: 12 - 4

5. decrease: the original speed limit of 75 mph has been decreased by 25 mph: 75 - 25

Words that mean to multiply:

1. of: one-fourth of twelve: 1/4 x 12

2. times: six times eight: 6 x 9

3. product: product of 8 and 9: 8 x 9

4. factor: two and three are factors of six: 2 x 3=6

Words that mean to divide:

1. ratio: the ratio of 3 to 4: 3 ¸ 4

2. quotient: the quotient of 12 and 3: 12 ¸ 3

3. per: 25 miles per hour: 25 mi

4. average: the average score of 3 test with total points of 246: 246 ¸ 3