Read the problem once to become familiar with it.
Make sure you note at the end what the question is asking for.
Reread the problem looking for the important
information.
List this important information on your paper.
Select variables to represent any unknown quantities.
(It usually helps to be descriptive with your selection of
variables. i.e. t = flight time, in hours; p = monthly pay,
in dollars; d = distance, in miles; etc.) Remembering to list the units
with the description of the variables is especially helpful.
Where helpful, organize the information in tables.
This is especially helpful with distance and mixture problems where you
usually end up combining to equations into one.
Make and label any drawings that would help you to
visualize the scenario.
Imagine yourself actually acting out the word
problem/scenario. A lot of times this will actually help you in
formulating the equation in the next step.
Determine if any special formulas are needed to solve
the problem.
Construct an equation (mathematical model) to describe
the problem needing to be solved. Sometimes it is helpful to first
write out the equation in words and then translate into variables.
S: Solve
Solve the equation (mathematical model) created in the
previous step.
Be sure to follow order of operations.
Be sure to include appropriate units with your
answer. (i.e. feet, pounds, girls, books, etc.)
Check
Check your work and your answer.
Is it reasonable? Does it make sense for the word
problem?
State
State your answer clearly in the form of a
sentence. (It is best to state your answer by rewriting the
original question as a statement.)
Failure to do this step causes you to loose points in my
class!
