Study Skills and Strategies Question
View this question.
Add this question to a group or test by clicking the appropriate button below.
1. Read the Problem - Try to understand the story before dealing with the numbers.

2. Circle the numbers - If a number is in a word problem, chances are you will need it.
3. Underline key words that represent math operations:
+ Addition: sum, add, total, more, plus, increase, together, combine
- Subtraction: less, fewer, subtract, minus, difference, take away, decrease
CAUTION! "5 less x" means "5 - x" and "5 less than x" means "x - 5"
× Multiplication: times, product, multiply, twice
÷ Division: quotient, divided by, per, ratio
= Equal: is, were, equivalent, same, equal to, will be
4. Underline or highlight the question(s) that you need to answer (not the entire problem!)

5. Develop a strategy.
□ If there is a figure or picture, use it. Add numbers and information to it from the problem.
□ If there no figure or picture, draw one. Label with information from the problem.
□ Make a table or graph. If the problem describes multiple sets of information, organize it in a table or graph. Look for patterns in the data.
□ Look for missing information. If it seems like you need another number to solve the problem, that is most likely the unknown. Assign a variable to the unknown.
6. Solve the problem. Use the information from steps 1 - 5 to work through the problem.
7. Re-read the question - make sure you answered what the problem was asking. A common error is only solving part of the problem.
8. Double-check your math. Watch for calculation and sign errors.
9. Lastly, ask yourself if your answer makes sense. Estimate what you think a reasonable answer would be and see if your answer is in the ballpark. If your answer is very different from your estimate, go through the steps again and double-check your work.