Strategy Spotlight: Unlocking Word Problems!
Have you ever looked at a math word problem and felt like it was written in a secret code? You're not alone! Many students find word problems tricky because they combine reading skills with math skills. But don't worry, with a few smart strategies, you can become a word problem detective and crack any case!
The CUBES Method: Your Detective Kit
One of the most popular and helpful strategies is the CUBES method. It helps you break down a problem into smaller, easier steps.
Circle the Numbers
The first step is to find all the numbers in the problem. These are often the pieces of information you'll need to use in your calculations. Sometimes, there might be numbers that you don't need, so circling them helps you focus on what's important.
Example: "A baker made 15 cupcakes. He decorated 8 of them with sprinkles."
Underline the Question
This is super important! If you don't know what the question is asking, you won't know what to solve for. Underline the entire question to make sure you keep your goal in mind.
Example: "How many cupcakes still need to be decorated?"
Box the Keywords
Keywords are like clues that tell you which math operation to use. Different words suggest different operations:
- Multiplication clues: each, groups of, total in all, altogether, product, times.
- Division clues: share equally, distribute, each (when asking for one part of a whole), split, quotient, average.
Example: "If a class has 5 groups of students, and each group has 4 students, how many students are there in all?" (Keywords here are 'groups of', 'each', 'in all' pointing to multiplication).
Evaluate and Strategize
Now that you've identified the numbers, the question, and the keywords, it's time to think! What operation (multiplication or division) makes sense? Sometimes you might even need more than one step. Draw a picture, make a chart, or write an equation to plan your attack.
Example: For the student group problem, you would think: "I have 5 groups, and each has 4. That means 5 'times' 4."
Solve and Check
Do the math! After you get an answer, always go back and check your work. Does your answer make sense? Is it reasonable? Did you answer the actual question? If you found 200 students in a small classroom, you might want to recheck your work!
Practice Makes Perfect!
The more you practice these strategies, the easier word problems will become. Soon, you'll be solving them like a pro and understanding how math is used all around you every single day!
