Useful Strategies in Solving Difficult Math Problems

Not everyone has been given great abilities in math. This is a truth of life that can never be denied. Math is tough for most people, so you are definitely not alone. If you are one of those who are not as gifted, this is not the end of the line for you. In fact, there are strategies to help you overcome every math problem you encounter.

Here is a simple and easy to follow strategy you can use to breeze through difficult math problems.

Understand the problem carefully. The key to understanding is ready very carefully. Make sure that you understand the problem being presented, and you understand it correctly. You should point out the information that you are given, and what is being asked. If a picture can be drawn, make one and clearly label all information. Illustrations are usually very helpful, so make it a part of your analysis phase.

Make a plan.

Focus on what is being asked in the problem. Try to ask yourself: what information will you need to come up with the answer? Afterwards, look at the information given. Try to see how every information can be used to solve the problem. Now if you are stuck and you see no logical connection between the information given to the solution, it probably means the math problem is more complicated than usual. Look at the information again and get whatever you can find from it. You will usually find another useful piece of information that can be subsequently used to solve the problem.

Write out the equations.

Now that you have a plan, you have to express your plan mathematically. This will involve:

Assigning some variable name to the unknowns. You can always use x, or d for distance, t for time, and so on. What you want is to have the least number of unknowns. So, if two quantities are given to be related, relate them so that both are expressed in just one variable. So, if John is twice as old as Luke, let x stand for Luke's age, and 2x for John's.
Translating the English into the Math. Remember that in math, English phrases have corresponding mathematical meanings. If you familiarize yourself with as many of them through constant practice, you will know them by heart in no time.

Solve the problem.

Now that you have the equations, carry out your plan and solve for what is asked. Remember that your solution must be what the problem is asking for.

Don't forget to check.

By now you think you have already answered the math problem. But you just might not have. Check your answer. Is it reasonable enough? Do the units correspond? Does your answer even make sense? If you feel there is something off, trace back and see whether you have made a mistake in your calculation.

Solving math problems can be overwhelming. However, if you follow the right strategy, you will get a hang of it. In time, you will realize that in every math problem, there indeed is a solution waiting to be discovered.