If this problem is copied from your homework, I can see why you are confused. In case you were wondering, my 4-step method is based rather loosely on the recommendations of George Polya (see the third quote here) in his classic book, How to Solve It. How to solve a tough problem (pdf 63KB).If you would like to download these handouts for your students, here are the files: Think about “Before” and “After” situations.

$glad2teach math tricks for kids$

Restate the problem in another way, or look for a related problem.

Make a systematic list, chart, or table.

Can you think of a way to confirm that your answer is right?.

Do you have the correct units (inches, cm 2, kg, etc.)?.

When you get an answer, always look back at the original problem one more time.

Try a tool from your Problem Solving Tool Box.

Express the goal in math symbols, if you can.

Underline or circle any key words, such as sum, product, next, or not.

Describe the goal, what the problem is asking you to find.

Express the facts in math symbols, if you can.

Underline or circle any key words, such as factor, multiple, area, or perimeter.

List the facts or information given in the problem.

The first gives four questions to ask yourself as you think through a math problem, and the second is a list of problem-solving strategies. So this year I have given my Math Club students a couple of mini-posters to put up on the wall above their desk, or wherever they do their math homework. What can you do when you are stumped? Too many students sit and stare at the page, waiting for inspiration to strike - and when the solution doesn’t crack their heads open and step out, fully formed, they complain: “Math is too hard!”

Glad2teach math tricks for kids