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How to Solve Algebra Problems Step-By-Step

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Solving Algebra word problems is useful in helping you to solve earthly problems. While the 5 steps of Algebra problem solving are listed below, the following will help you learn how to first identify the problem.

  • Identify the problem.
  • Identify what you know.
  • Make a plan.
  • Carry out the plan.
  • Verify that the answer makes sense.

Identify the Problem

Back away from the calculator ; use your brain first. Your mind analyzes, plans, and guides in the labyrinthine quest for the solution. Think of the calculator as merely a tool that makes the journey easier. After all, you wouldn’t want a surgeon to crack your ribs and perform a heart transplant without first identifying the source of your chest pains.

The steps of identifying the problem are:

  • Express the problem question or statement.
  • Identify the unit of the final answer.

Express the Problem Question or Statement

In Algebra word problems, the problem is expressed as either a question or a statement.

  • How many trees will John have to plant?
  • How many televisions will Sara have to sell to earn $50,000?
  • Find the number of trees John will have to plant.
  • Solve for the number of televisions Sara will have to sell to earn $50,000.

Identify the Unit of the Final Answer

What will the answer look like? Now that you understand the word problem’s purpose, determine the answer’s unit. For example, will the answer be in miles, feet, ounces, pesos, dollars, the number of trees, or a number of televisions?

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Javier is making brownies to serve at the family picnic. If the recipe calls for 2 ½ cups of cocoa to serve 4 people, how many cups will he need if 60 people attend the picnic?
  • Identify the problem:   How many cups will Javier need if 60 people attend the picnic?
  • Identify the unit of the final answer: Cups
In the market for computer batteries, the intersection of the supply and demand functions determines the price, p dollars , and the quantity, q , of goods sold. Supply function: 80 q - p = 0 Demand function: 4 q + p = 300 Determine the price and quantity of computer batteries sold when these functions intersect.
  • Identify the problem:   How much will the batteries cost and how much will be sold when supply and demand functions meet?
  • Identify the unit of the final answer: The quantity, or q , will be given in batteries. The price, or p , will be given in dollars.
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  • The basic rules of algebra are the commutative, associative, and distributive laws.
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  • The golden rule of algebra states Do unto one side of the equation what you do to others. Meaning, whatever operation is being used on one side of equation, the same will be used on the other side too.
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  • The basic laws of algebra are the Commutative Law For Addition, Commutative Law For Multiplication, Associative Law For Addition, Associative Law For Multiplication, and the Distributive Law.

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Solving equations

Here you will learn about solving equations, including linear and quadratic algebraic equations, and how to solve them.

Students will first learn about solving equations in grade 8 as a part of expressions and equations, and again in high school as a part of reasoning with equations and inequalities.

What is solving an equation?

Solving equations is a step-by-step process to find the value of the variable. A variable is the unknown part of an equation, either on the left or right side of the equals sign. Sometimes, you need to solve multi-step equations which contain algebraic expressions.

To do this, you must use the order of operations, which is a systematic approach to equation solving. When you use the order of operations, you first solve any part of an equation located within parentheses. An equation is a mathematical expression that contains an equals sign.

For example,

\begin{aligned}y+6&=11\\\\ 3(x-3)&=12\\\\ \cfrac{2x+2}{4}&=\cfrac{x-3}{3}\\\\ 2x^{2}+3&x-2=0\end{aligned}

There are two sides to an equation, with the left side being equal to the right side. Equations will often involve algebra and contain unknowns, or variables, which you often represent with letters such as x or y.

You can solve simple equations and more complicated equations to work out the value of these unknowns. They could involve fractions, decimals or integers.

What is solving an equation?

Common Core State Standards

How does this relate to 8 th grade and high school math?

  • Grade 8 – Expressions and Equations (8.EE.C.7) Solve linear equations in one variable.
  • High school – Reasoning with Equations and Inequalities (HSA.REI.B.3) Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable, including equations with coefficients represented by letters.

[FREE] Math Equations Check for Understanding Quiz (Grade 6 to 8)

[FREE] Math Equations Check for Understanding Quiz (Grade 6 to 8)

Use this quiz to check your grade 6 to 8 students’ understanding of math equations. 10+ questions with answers covering a range of 6th, 7th and 8th grade math equations topics to identify areas of strength and support!

How to solve equations

In order to solve equations, you need to work out the value of the unknown variable by adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing both sides of the equation by the same value.

  • Combine like terms .
  • Simplify the equation by using the opposite operation to both sides.
  • Isolate the variable on one side of the equation.

Solving equations examples

Example 1: solve equations involving like terms.

Solve for x.

Combine like terms.

Combine the q terms on the left side of the equation. To do this, subtract 4q from both sides.

The goal is to simplify the equation by combining like terms. Subtracting 4q from both sides helps achieve this.

After you combine like terms, you are left with q=9-4q.

2 Simplify the equation by using the opposite operation on both sides.

Add 4q to both sides to isolate q to one side of the equation.

The objective is to have all the q terms on one side. Adding 4q to both sides accomplishes this.

After you move the variable to one side of the equation, you are left with 5q=9.

3 Isolate the variable on one side of the equation.

Divide both sides of the equation by 5 to solve for q.

Dividing by 5 allows you to isolate q to one side of the equation in order to find the solution. After dividing both sides of the equation by 5, you are left with q=1 \cfrac{4}{5} \, .

Example 2: solve equations with variables on both sides

Combine the v terms on the same side of the equation. To do this, add 8v to both sides.

7v+8v=8-8v+8v

After combining like terms, you are left with the equation 15v=8.

Simplify the equation by using the opposite operation on both sides and isolate the variable to one side.

Divide both sides of the equation by 15 to solve for v. This step will isolate v to one side of the equation and allow you to solve.

15v \div 15=8 \div 15

The final solution to the equation 7v=8-8v is \cfrac{8}{15} \, .

Example 3: solve equations with the distributive property

Combine like terms by using the distributive property.

The 3 outside the parentheses needs to be multiplied by both terms inside the parentheses. This is called the distributive property.

\begin{aligned}& 3 \times c=3 c \\\\ & 3 \times(-5)=-15 \\\\ &3 c-15-4=2\end{aligned}

Once the 3 is distributed on the left side, rewrite the equation and combine like terms. In this case, the like terms are the constants on the left, –15 and –4. Subtract –4 from –15 to get –19.

Simplify the equation by using the opposite operation on both sides.

The goal is to isolate the variable, c, on one side of the equation. By adding 19 to both sides, you move the constant term to the other side.

\begin{aligned}& 3 c-19+19=2+19 \\\\ & 3 c=21\end{aligned}

Isolate the variable to one side of the equation.

To solve for c, you want to get c by itself.

Dividing both sides by 3 accomplishes this.

On the left side, \cfrac{3c}{3} simplifies to c, and on the right, \cfrac{21}{3} simplifies to 7.

The final solution is c=7.

As an additional step, you can plug 7 back into the original equation to check your work.

Example 4: solve linear equations

Combine like terms by simplifying.

Using steps to solve, you know that the goal is to isolate x to one side of the equation. In order to do this, you must begin by subtracting from both sides of the equation.

\begin{aligned} & 2x+5=15 \\\\ & 2x+5-5=15-5 \\\\ & 2x=10 \end{aligned}

Continue to simplify the equation by using the opposite operation on both sides.

Continuing with steps to solve, you must divide both sides of the equation by 2 to isolate x to one side.

\begin{aligned} & 2x \div 2=10 \div 2 \\\\ & x= 5 \end{aligned}

Isolate the variable to one side of the equation and check your work.

Plugging in 5 for x in the original equation and making sure both sides are equal is an easy way to check your work. If the equation is not equal, you must check your steps.

\begin{aligned}& 2(5)+5=15 \\\\ & 10+5=15 \\\\ & 15=15\end{aligned}

Example 5: solve equations by factoring

Solve the following equation by factoring.

Combine like terms by factoring the equation by grouping.

Multiply the coefficient of the quadratic term by the constant term.

2 x (-20) = -40

Look for two numbers that multiply to give you –40 and add up to the coefficient of 3. In this case, the numbers are 8 and –5 because 8 x -5=–40, and 8+–5=3.

Split the middle term using those two numbers, 8 and –5. Rewrite the middle term using the numbers 8 and –5.

2x^2+8x-5x-20=0

Group the terms in pairs and factor out the common factors.

2x^2+8x-5x-20=2x(x + 4)-5(x+4)=0

Now, you’ve factored the equation and are left with the following simpler equations 2x-5 and x+4.

This step relies on understanding the zero product property, which states that if two numbers multiply to give zero, then at least one of those numbers must equal zero.

Let’s relate this back to the factored equation (2x-5)(x+4)=0

Because of this property, either (2x-5)=0 or (x+4)=0

Isolate the variable for each equation and solve.

When solving these simpler equations, remember that you must apply each step to both sides of the equation to maintain balance.

\begin{aligned}& 2 x-5=0 \\\\ & 2 x-5+5=0+5 \\\\ & 2 x=5 \\\\ & 2 x \div 2=5 \div 2 \\\\ & x=\cfrac{5}{2} \end{aligned}

\begin{aligned}& x+4=0 \\\\ & x+4-4=0-4 \\\\ & x=-4\end{aligned}

The solution to this equation is x=\cfrac{5}{2} and x=-4.

Example 6: solve quadratic equations

Solve the following quadratic equation.

Combine like terms by factoring the quadratic equation when terms are isolated to one side.

To factorize a quadratic expression like this, you need to find two numbers that multiply to give -5 (the constant term) and add to give +2 (the coefficient of the x term).

The two numbers that satisfy this are -1 and +5.

So you can split the middle term 2x into -1x+5x: x^2-1x+5x-5-1x+5x

Now you can take out common factors x(x-1)+5(x-1).

And since you have a common factor of (x-1), you can simplify to (x+5)(x-1).

The numbers -1 and 5 allow you to split the middle term into two terms that give you common factors, allowing you to simplify into the form (x+5)(x-1).

Let’s relate this back to the factored equation (x+5)(x-1)=0.

Because of this property, either (x+5)=0 or (x-1)=0.

Now, you can solve the simple equations resulting from the zero product property.

\begin{aligned}& x+5=0 \\\\ & x+5-5=0-5 \\\\ & x=-5 \\\\\\ & x-1=0 \\\\ & x-1+1=0+1 \\\\ & x=1\end{aligned}

The solutions to this quadratic equation are x=1 and x=-5.

Teaching tips for solving equations

  • Use physical manipulatives like balance scales as a visual aid. Show how you need to keep both sides of the equation balanced, like a scale. Add or subtract the same thing from both sides to keep it balanced when solving. Use this method to practice various types of equations.
  • Emphasize the importance of undoing steps to isolate the variable. If you are solving for x and 3 is added to x, subtracting 3 undoes that step and isolates the variable x.
  • Relate equations to real-world, relevant examples for students. For example, word problems about tickets for sports games, cell phone plans, pizza parties, etc. can make the concepts click better.
  • Allow time for peer teaching and collaborative problem solving. Having students explain concepts to each other, work through examples on whiteboards, etc. reinforces the process and allows peers to ask clarifying questions. This type of scaffolding would be beneficial for all students, especially English-Language Learners. Provide supervision and feedback during the peer interactions.

Easy mistakes to make

  • Forgetting to distribute or combine like terms One common mistake is neglecting to distribute a number across parentheses or combine like terms before isolating the variable. This error can lead to an incorrect simplified form of the equation.
  • Misapplying the distributive property Incorrectly distributing a number across terms inside parentheses can result in errors. Students may forget to multiply each term within the parentheses by the distributing number, leading to an inaccurate equation.
  • Failing to perform the same operation on both sides It’s crucial to perform the same operation on both sides of the equation to maintain balance. Forgetting this can result in an imbalanced equation and incorrect solutions.
  • Making calculation errors Simple arithmetic mistakes, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division errors, can occur during the solution process. Checking calculations is essential to avoid errors that may propagate through the steps.
  • Ignoring fractions or misapplying operations When fractions are involved, students may forget to multiply or divide by the common denominator to eliminate them. Misapplying operations on fractions can lead to incorrect solutions or complications in the final answer.

Related math equations lessons

  • Math equations
  • Rearranging equations
  • How to find the equation of a line
  • Solve equations with fractions
  • Linear equations
  • Writing linear equations
  • Substitution
  • Identity math
  • One step equation

Practice solving equations questions

1. Solve 4x-2=14.

GCSE Quiz False

Add 2 to both sides.

Divide both sides by 4.

2. Solve 3x-8=x+6.

Add 8 to both sides.

Subtract x from both sides.

Divide both sides by 2.

3. Solve 3(x+3)=2(x-2).

Expanding the parentheses.

Subtract 9 from both sides.

Subtract 2x from both sides.

4. Solve \cfrac{2 x+2}{3}=\cfrac{x-3}{2}.

Multiply by 6 (the lowest common denominator) and simplify.

Expand the parentheses.

Subtract 4 from both sides.

Subtract 3x from both sides.

5. Solve \cfrac{3 x^{2}}{2}=24.

Multiply both sides by 2.

Divide both sides by 3.

Square root both sides.

6. Solve by factoring:

Use factoring to find simpler equations.

Set each set of parentheses equal to zero and solve.

x=3 or x=10

Solving equations FAQs

The first step in solving a simple linear equation is to simplify both sides by combining like terms. This involves adding or subtracting terms to isolate the variable on one side of the equation.

Performing the same operation on both sides of the equation maintains the equality. This ensures that any change made to one side is also made to the other, keeping the equation balanced and preserving the solutions.

To handle variables on both sides of the equation, start by combining like terms on each side. Then, move all terms involving the variable to one side by adding or subtracting, and simplify to isolate the variable. Finally, perform any necessary operations to solve for the variable.

To deal with fractions in an equation, aim to eliminate them by multiplying both sides of the equation by the least common denominator. This helps simplify the equation and make it easier to isolate the variable. Afterward, proceed with the regular steps of solving the equation.

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How to Ace Math Problem Solving

how to solve this math problem step by step

When your kids struggle with their math, it’s time to take a step back and take a deep breath. They need to slow down and take their time. Here’s a step by step guide that will help your kids get through those tough math problems.

We’ll use a grade 3 addition word problem as an example to clarify:

Pinky the Pig bought 36 apples while Danny the Duck bought 73 apples and 14 bananas. How many apples do they have altogether?

Read the problem

Carefully read through the problem to make sure you understand what is being asked.

Pinky the pig and Danny the duck bought apples and bananas. The question is how many apples they have together.

Re-read the problem

Read through the problem again and as you read through it, make notes.

Pinky the pig –36 apples. Danny the duck –73 apples and 14 bananas. How many apples together?

What is the problem asking

In your own words, say or write down exactly what the question is asking you to solve.

The question is asking how many apples the pig and the duck bought together.

Write it down in detail

Go through the problem and write out the information in an organized fashion. A diagram or table might help.

Turn it into math

Math problem solving

Figure out what math operation(s) or formula(s) you need to use in order to solve this problem.

The problem wants us to add the number of apples Pinky the Pig and Danny the Duck have together. That means we need to make use of addition to add the apples.

Find an example

Are you still struggling? Sometimes it’s hard to work out the solution, especially if the math problem involves several steps. It’s time to present the problem in an easier way. As teachers and parents we can often help our kids simplify the problem from our own math knowledge. If the problem is a bit harder, there are lots of resources online that you can look up for similar problems that have been worked out on paper or a video tutorial to watch.

In our example, let’s say the double-digit numbers are intimidating our student, so we’re going to simplify the equation for the sake of helping our student understand the operation needed.

Let’s say Pinky the Pig bought 3 apples and Danny the Duck 7 apples and 1 banana. Now, how many apples have they bought together? With 3 apples and 7 apples bought, the total number of apples is 10.

Work out the problem

Now that we have got to the bottom of what is being asked and know what operation to use, it’s time to work out the problem.

Pinky the Pig bought 36 apples. Danny the Duck bought 73 apples. (The 14 bananas do not matter) We need to add up the apples. 36 + 73 = 109

Check and review your answer

Check that your answer is correct. Always ask: does this answer make sense?  You can use estimation using mental math, for example.

Let’s round the numbers: 30 + 70 = 100. That is close to the exact number so it’s in the correct range.

The beauty of the basic operations is that addition and subtraction can be used to check answers too.

If we use the sum and take away one of the numbers, it should equal the other number.

109 – 73 = 36 109 – 36 = 73

If our student did not work out the sum correctly, we would not come to these sums.

(By the way, the same can be done with multiplication and division.)

Finally, go back and review the problem one last time. By going over the concepts, operations and formulas, it will help your kids to internalize the process and help them tackle harder math problems in the future.

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How to Do Long Division: Step-by-Step Instructions

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A long division problem on a blackboard

In math, few skills are as practical as knowing how to do long division . It's the art of breaking down complex problems into manageable steps, making it an essential tool for students and adults alike.

This operation has many practical uses in our daily lives. For instance, imagine you have a bag of 2,436 candies and want to share them equally among 4 friends. Long division helps you determine that each friend gets 609 candies, ensuring everyone gets their fair share.

Let's dive into the fundamentals of long division and learn about other everyday situations where we can put it to use.

What Is Long Division?

How to do long division in simple steps, long division method: an apple example, using long division in everyday life, how to divide a decimal point by a whole number, practice problems and answers.

Long division is a handy way to divide big numbers by smaller ones, helping us figure out how many times one number fits into another. It turns a tricky math problem into easier steps.

When we do long division, we work with four main parts:

  • the big number we want to divide (called the " dividend ")
  • the smaller number we're dividing by (the " divisor ")
  • the answer to our division (the " quotient ")
  • sometimes a little bit left over (the " remainder ")

Long Division vs. Short Division

Short and long division are both methods to divide numbers, but they differ in complexity. The short-division method is a quick way to find the answer when dividing simple numbers. For example, say you want to divide 36 by 6. You write it as 36 ÷ 6, using a division sign, and quickly get the answer, which is 6.

Long division is used for bigger, more complicated numbers, typically two or more digits. This method involves several steps, like writing out the numbers neatly and carefully.

Let's dive into long division with a clear example. We'll use 845 ÷ 3 to walk through this step-by-step process:

  • Set up the problem. Write the dividend (845) under the division bar and the divisor (3) outside the bar.
  • Divide. Look at the first digit of the dividend (8). How many times does 3 go into 8? Twice, because 3 x 2 = 6, and that's the closest we can get without going over. Write the 2 above the division bar, over the 8.
  • Multiply. Multiply the quotient (2) by the divisor (3). (2 x 3 = 6). Write 6 under the 8.
  • Subtract. Subtract 6 from 8 to get 2. Draw a line under the 6, subtract, and write 2 below the line.
  • Bring down the next digit. Now, bring down the next digit of the dividend, which is 4, to sit next to the 2, making 24.
  • Repeat the steps. 3 goes into 24 eight times (3 x 8 = 24), so write 8 above the bar next to the 2. Subtract 24 from 24 to get 0. Now, follow the same process you used in steps 1 through 5 and bring down the last digit, which is 5, to form 05. The number 3 goes into 5 once (3 x 1 = 3), leaving a remainder of 2. Write the 1 above the bar and the remainder 2 below after subtracting 3 from 5.
  • The final answer with a remainder. You've divided 845 by 3 to get a final answer of 281 with a remainder of 2.
  • Convert the remainder to decimal form. Depending on how far along you are in learning long division, this may be your final answer. If you've progressed to decimals, you will add .0 to 845 and put a decimal point above the division bar, right after the 1. Bring 0 down to form 20. The number 3 goes into 20 six times (3 x 6 = 18). Write 6 after the decimal point above the division bar. Normally, you would continue adding another 0 after 845. until there is no remainder, but since 20 – 18 = 2, you would be repeating this process infinitely because 3 does not divide evenly into 845. Instead, you will draw a horizontal line over the 6 in 281.6 to indicate that it is a repeating decimal. A calculator would show the answer as 281.666667 to indicate that the repeating decimal rounds up.

Now let's use a practical example to work through the long division process.

Imagine you just went apple picking and came home with a massive haul of delicious fruit. In your kitchen, you have 456 apples, and you want to share them equally among 3 baskets to give to your friends, so you're dividing 3 by 456 (456 ÷ 3).

To figure out how many apples go into each basket, you'd tackle the division problem step by step.

  • 3 goes into the first digit (4) once, so you write 1 above the division bar, above the 4 in 456. Then you show the subtraction: 4 – 3 = 1.
  • Bring down the next digit (5) to form 15. 3 goes into 15 five times (3 x 5 = 15), so you write 5 above the division bar, above the 5 in 456. Then you show the subtraction: 15 – 15 = 0.
  • Bring down the final digit (6) to form 06. 3 goes into 6 twice (3 x 2 = 6), so you write 2 above the division bar, above the 2 in 456. Then you show the subtraction: 6 – 6 = 0.
  • Since there is no remainder left to divide, you quotient is now written atop the division bar: 152. You will need to place 152 apples in each of the 3 baskets to evenly distribute the 456 apples.

Long division also pops up in real-life situations . Think about when you need to divide something, like pizza or cake, into equal parts.

Want to cut a large recipe in half or figure out how many days are left till summer vacation? Long division can help with that. It's a great way to help us figure out those splits and manage resources better.

And, of course, practicing long division sharpens our problem-solving skills . It teaches us to tackle big problems step by step, breaking them down into smaller, more manageable pieces. This approach is super helpful in math and figuring out all sorts of challenges we might face.

So, long division is more than just a bunch of steps we follow. It's a key that unlocks a lot of doors in the world of math and beyond, helping us understand and connect different concepts and apply them in all sorts of ways.

Dividing decimals by whole numbers is useful in our everyday lives. For instance, if you're splitting a sum of money equally among a certain number of people, you'll need to divide the total (a decimal) by the number of people (a whole number) to determine how much each person gets.

Dividing a decimal point (decimal number) by a whole number is similar to regular division, but you must be mindful of the placement of the decimal point. Here's how to do it:

Example : Divide 0.5 by 5.

  • Set up the problem. Begin by setting up the division, with 0.5 as the dividend (the number you're dividing, which will be under the division bar) and 5 as the divisor (the number you're dividing by, which will be to the left of the division bar).
  • Begin dividing. 5 goes into the first digit of the dividend 0 times, so you'll write 0 above the division bar, above the 0 in 0.5, and place a decimal point after the 0 you just wrote. It should be directly above the decimal point in the dividend.
  • Bring down the next digit. Bring down the 5 to form 05 (you do not bring the decimal down). 5 goes into 5 once (5 x 1 = 5), so you'll write 1 above the division bar, above the 5 in 0.5.
  • Show the final answer. When you show the subtraction (5 – 5 = 0), you'll have no remainder. This means the number above the division bar is your final answer: 0.1.

Let's put our long division skills to the test with some word problems. Tackle these problems one step at a time, and don't rush. If you get stuck, pause and review the steps. Remember, practice makes perfect, and every problem is an opportunity to improve your long-division skills.

1. Emma has 672 pieces of candy to share equally among her 4 friends. How many pieces of candy does each friend get?

Solution : To find out, divide 672 by 4. Start with the first part of 672, which is 6, and see how many times 4 can fit into it. It fits 1 time, leaving us with 2. Bringing down the 7 turns it into 27, which 4 fits into 6 times, leaving us with 3. Finally, bringing down the 2 to join the remaining 3 makes 32, which 4 divides into 8 times. So, each friend gets 168 pieces of candy.

2. A teacher has 945 stickers to distribute equally in 5 of her classes. How many stickers does each class get?

Solution : We'll divide 945 by 5. Looking at 9 first, 5 goes into it 1 time. With 4 leftover, we bring down the 4 from 945 to get 44, which 5 divides into 8 times with another 4 leftover. Lastly, bringing down the 5 to the remaining 4 makes 45, which 5 divides into 9 times. Therefore, each class receives 189 stickers.

3. A library has 2,310 books to be placed equally on 6 shelves. How many books will each shelf contain?

Solution : Divide 2,310 by 6. Starting with 23, 6 goes into it 3 times with 5 leftover. After subtracting, we bring down the 1 to get 51, which 6 divides into 8 times with 3 leftover. Bringing down the 0 to the remaining 3 gives us 30, which 6 divides into 5 times. So, each shelf will have 385 books.

This article was updated in conjunction with AI technology, then fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

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Solving word problem chart

1. Understand the Problem by Paraphrasing

2. identify key information and variables, 3. translate words into mathematical symbols, 4. break down the problem into manageable parts, 5. draw diagrams or visual representations, 6. use estimation to predict answers, 7. apply logical reasoning for unknown variables, 8. leverage similar problems as templates, 9. check answers in the context of the problem, 10. reflect and learn from mistakes.

Have you ever observed the look of confusion on a student’s face when they encounter a math word problem ? It’s a common sight in classrooms worldwide, underscoring the need for effective strategies for solving math word problems . The main hurdle in solving math word problems is not just the math itself but understanding how to translate the words into mathematical equations that can be solved.

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Generic advice like “read the problem carefully” or “practice more” often falls short in addressing students’ specific difficulties with word problems. Students need targeted math word problem strategies that address the root of their struggles head-on. 

A Guide on Steps to Solving Word Problems: 10 Strategies 

One of the first steps in tackling a math word problem is to make sure your students understand what the problem is asking. Encourage them to paraphrase the problem in their own words. This means they rewrite the problem using simpler language or break it down into more digestible parts. Paraphrasing helps students grasp the concept and focus on the problem’s core elements without getting lost in the complex wording.

Original Problem: “If a farmer has 15 apples and gives away 8, how many does he have left?”

Paraphrased: “A farmer had some apples. He gave some away. Now, how many apples does he have?”

This paraphrasing helps students identify the main action (giving away apples) and what they need to find out (how many apples are left).

Play these subtraction word problem games in the classroom for free:

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Students often get overwhelmed by the details in word problems. Teach them to identify key information and variables essential for solving the problem. This includes numbers , operations ( addition , subtraction , multiplication , division ), and what the question is asking them to find. Highlighting or underlining can be very effective here. This visual differentiation can help students focus on what’s important, ignoring irrelevant details.

  • Encourage students to underline numbers and circle keywords that indicate operations (like ‘total’ for addition and ‘left’ for subtraction).
  • Teach them to write down what they’re solving for, such as “Find: Total apples left.”

Problem: “A classroom has 24 students. If 6 more students joined the class, how many students are there in total?”

Key Information:

  • Original number of students (24)
  • Students joined (6)
  • Looking for the total number of students

Here are some fun addition word problems that your students can play for free:

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The transition from the language of word problems to the language of mathematics is a critical skill. Teach your students to convert words into mathematical symbols and equations. This step is about recognizing keywords and phrases corresponding to mathematical operations and expressions .

Common Translations:

  • “Total,” “sum,” “combined” → Addition (+)
  • “Difference,” “less than,” “remain” → Subtraction (−)
  • “Times,” “product of” → Multiplication (×)
  • “Divided by,” “quotient of” → Division (÷)
  • “Equals” → Equals sign (=)

Problem: “If one book costs $5, how much would 4 books cost?”

Translation: The word “costs” indicates a multiplication operation because we find the total cost of multiple items. Therefore, the equation is 4 × 5 = $20

Complex math word problems can often overwhelm students. Incorporating math strategies for problem solving, such as teaching them to break down the problem into smaller, more manageable parts, is a powerful approach to overcome this challenge. This means looking at the problem step by step rather than simultaneously trying to solve it. Breaking it down helps students focus on one aspect of the problem at a time, making finding the solution more straightforward.

Problem: “John has twice as many apples as Sarah. If Sarah has 5 apples, how many apples do they have together?”

Steps to Break Down the Problem:

Find out how many apples John has: Since John has twice as many apples as Sarah, and Sarah has 5, John has 5 × 2 = 10

Calculate the total number of apples: Add Sarah’s apples to John’s to find the total,  5 + 10 = 15

By splitting the problem into two parts, students can solve it without getting confused by all the details at once.

Explore these fun multiplication word problem games:

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Diagrams and visual representations can be incredibly helpful for students, especially when dealing with spatial or quantity relationships in word problems. Encourage students to draw simple sketches or diagrams to represent the problem visually. This can include drawing bars for comparison, shapes for geometry problems, or even a simple distribution to better understand division or multiplication problems .

Problem: “A garden is 3 times as long as it is wide. If the width is 4 meters, how long is the garden?”

Visual Representation: Draw a rectangle and label the width as 4 meters. Then, sketch the length to represent it as three times the width visually, helping students see that the length is 4 × 3 = 12

Estimation is a valuable skill in solving math word problems, as it allows students to predict the answer’s ballpark figure before solving it precisely. Teaching students to use estimation can help them check their answers for reasonableness and avoid common mistakes.

Problem: “If a book costs $4.95 and you buy 3 books, approximately how much will you spend?”

Estimation Strategy: Round $4.95 to the nearest dollar ($5) and multiply by the number of books (3), so 5 × 3 = 15. Hence, the estimated total cost is about $15.

Estimation helps students understand whether their final answer is plausible, providing a quick way to check their work against a rough calculation.

Check out these fun estimation and prediction word problem worksheets that can be of great help:

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When students encounter problems with unknown variables, it’s crucial to introduce them to logical reasoning. This strategy involves using the information in the problem to deduce the value of unknown variables logically. One of the most effective strategies for solving math word problems is working backward from the desired outcome. This means starting with the result and thinking about the steps leading to that result, which can be particularly useful in algebraic problems.

Problem: “A number added to three times itself equals 32. What is the number?”

Working Backward:

Let the unknown number be x.

The equation based on the problem is  x + 3x = 32

Solve for x by simplifying the equation to 4x=32, then dividing by 4 to find x=8.

By working backward, students can more easily connect the dots between the unknown variable and the information provided.

Practicing problems of similar structure can help students recognize patterns and apply known strategies to new situations. Encourage them to leverage similar problems as templates, analyzing how a solved problem’s strategy can apply to a new one. Creating a personal “problem bank”—a collection of solved problems—can be a valuable reference tool, helping students see the commonalities between different problems and reinforcing the strategies that work.

Suppose students have solved a problem about dividing a set of items among a group of people. In that case, they can use that strategy when encountering a similar problem, even if it’s about dividing money or sharing work equally.

It’s essential for students to learn the habit of checking their answers within the context of the problem to ensure their solutions make sense. This step involves going back to the original problem statement after solving it to verify that the answer fits logically with the given information. Providing a checklist for this process can help students systematically review their answers.

Checklist for Reviewing Answers:

  • Re-read the problem: Ensure the question was understood correctly.
  • Compare with the original problem: Does the answer make sense given the scenario?
  • Use estimation: Does the precise answer align with an earlier estimation?
  • Substitute back: If applicable, plug the answer into the problem to see if it works.

Problem: “If you divide 24 apples among 4 children, how many apples does each child get?”

After solving, students should check that they understood the problem (dividing apples equally).

Their answer (6 apples per child) fits logically with the number of apples and children.

Their estimation aligns with the actual calculation.

Substituting back 4×6=24 confirms the answer is correct.

Teaching students to apply logical reasoning, leverage solved problems as templates, and check their answers in context equips them with a robust toolkit for tackling math word problems efficiently and effectively.

One of the most effective ways for students to improve their problem-solving skills is by reflecting on their errors, especially with math word problems. Using word problem worksheets is one of the most effective strategies for solving word problems, and practicing word problems as it fosters a more thoughtful and reflective approach to problem-solving

These worksheets can provide a variety of problems that challenge students in different ways, allowing them to encounter and work through common pitfalls in a controlled setting. After completing a worksheet, students can review their answers, identify any mistakes, and then reflect on them in their mistake journal. This practice reinforces mathematical concepts and improves their math problem solving strategies over time.

3 Additional Tips for Enhancing Word Problem-Solving Skills

Before we dive into the importance of reflecting on mistakes, here are a few impactful tips to enhance students’ word problem-solving skills further:

1. Utilize Online Word Problem Games

A word problem game

Incorporate online games that focus on math word problems into your teaching. These interactive platforms make learning fun and engaging, allowing students to practice in a dynamic environment. Games can offer instant feedback and adaptive challenges, catering to individual learning speeds and styles.

Here are some word problem games that you can use for free:

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2. Practice Regularly with Diverse Problems

Word problem worksheet

Consistent practice with a wide range of word problems helps students become familiar with different questions and mathematical concepts. This exposure is crucial for building confidence and proficiency.

Start Practicing Word Problems with these Printable Word Problem Worksheets:

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3. Encourage Group Work

Solving word problems in groups allows students to share strategies and learn from each other. A collaborative approach is one of the best strategies for solving math word problems that can unveil multiple methods for tackling the same problem, enriching students’ problem-solving toolkit.

Conclusion 

Mastering math word problems is a journey of small steps. Encourage your students to practice regularly, stay curious, and learn from their mistakes. These strategies for solving math word problems are stepping stones to turning challenges into achievements. Keep it simple, and watch your students grow their confidence and skills, one problem at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can i help my students stay motivated when solving math word problems.

Encourage small victories and use engaging tools like online games to make practice fun and rewarding.

What's the best way to teach beginners word problems?

Begin with simple problems that integrate everyday scenarios to make the connection between math and real-life clear and relatable.

How often should students practice math word problems?

Regular, daily practice with various problems helps build confidence and problem-solving skills over time.

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  1. 3 Ways to Solve Two Step Algebraic Equations

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  3. Ways to Solve a Math Problem Poster by Carolyn's Classroom

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  4. Basic steps to solve a mathematical problem

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  5. How to solve recursive sequences in Math, practice problems explained

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  6. Algebra

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