| Having trouble solving Maths problems? | ||||
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Other sites with good ideas 4Problem
solving in Maths |
Everyone has trouble solving a
problem at some time in their life. What can you do about it if
you are stuck? The truth is, problems are often not as
difficult as they first appear. We just need to train our brain to
think the right way. It is a little like training your arm muscles
to throw a ball a greater distance. How do you do it? Well
many people have ideas about how, especially when it comes to solving
problems in Mathematics and games. Here are a few ideas for you. The most important thing to do before you solve a problem is relax. Take a deep breath and slow down. Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare? Ideas that help you solve problems are called strategies. Below you will find some strategies (ideas) that will help you think in the right way to solve a problem. |
Tools that may help
4ruler |
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| Step 1: Reading carefully . . . | Step 2: Think time . . . | Step 3: Choose a strategy | Step 4: Try it out | Step 5: Go back and check |
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Find the
words that matter. What do you know for sure? What don't you know for sure? What do you need now? Say what the problem is again. |
Think about it. Organize the information. How can you represent it? Draw or use a thinkboard Do you know a similar problem? |
Is there a pattern? Is there a rule? Can you work it backwards? Simplify it (try smaller numbers). Guess and check. |
Try the
strategy you chose. Think about the big things first. Do the small things. Do not forget where you are heading. Do you need to use a tool? |
Check your answer(s). Does it make sense? Think about the answer. |
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Remember ... the answer is not the most important thing, the way you did it is! |
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