Math Detective: Story Problems - Ugh

Math Detective: Story Problems - Ugh

Oh no, the dreaded word, story problems. They might be the greatest fear in school, even more than public speaking. (The fear of heights doesn’t count because school usually doesn’t involve high places.) Math story problems don’t need to be feared. All you need to do is apply your detective thinking skills to tackle the problems.

Grab your detective badges. Change the label to math detective and get set for an interesting, brain stretching adventure.

Remember the first job of a detective is to make observations. With a story problem observations come as you read the problem. If you need to read it, not once but twice or a hundred times. Read it out loud. You’ll hear clues you miss when you just read it in your head. Read it to a friend. Have a friend read it to you.

Ask questions, all great detectives do. Some helpful questions are:

1.    What is the final question in the word problem?

2.    What information in the story problem relates to the answer the question is asking for?

3.    Is there additional information in the problem? (Story problem writers love to throw in additional information.)

4.    How many steps are in the problem?

5.    What are the key operation words? (No you will not cut the problem up, even if that does sound like fun when the problem is frustrating.) Operations are addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Each of these has key words hiding in the problem. Check out a few of the key words below:

1. Addition – altogether; in all; combined; joined; sum; add; total; increased; plus
2. Subtraction – decreased; minus; less than; difference; fewer; how many more; how many less; left; remains; needed to;
3. Multiplication – number of times; multiples; produce; every
4. Division – out of; percent; quotient; each

Now it’s time to record your observation. One of the quickest ways to record your results is to highlight key information in the story problem. Remember highlighting is only for a few words in the problem, not all the words. Ask yourself these questions as you highlight:

1.    What is this question about?

2.    What numbers are needed to solve the problem?

Next making a model of the problem is very helpful as you record your information. There are many ways to make a model of the problem. In the next post we’ll look at one great resource for problem solving and model making, Thinking Blocks. If you want to preview it, check out the link – Thinking Blocks.

Once you’ve collected your data, recorded your information it’s time to think, think, think and think some more. Don’t jump to conclusions. That will lead you to the wrong answer and a poor grade. Talk about your thinking. This can help.

As you think and think the answer will become clearer. Remember when you get it, it will be an aha moment. It will feel like a light bulb turns on in your head.

Don’t give up! More help is coming with the next post.

Till then,

Edison U. Ratio Smart

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