In the first part of the series, you got your armour ready. In this part, we shall proceed to develop a game plan which will ensure that you leave most any battle with Maths, the victor!
Consider the 8.
1. Figure out what formulae you will need to solve the problem. If the problem is particularly complex, you may need more than one. Spend some time reviewing the concepts in your textbook that will help you solve this problem.
2. Write out what you need to do in order to get the answer. Make a step-by-step list of the things that you will need to do to solve the problem. This list will help you stay organized and focused as you solve the problem. You can also use it to estimate the answer to the problem before you actually solve it.
3. Work on an easier problem. If there is an easier problem available that is similar to the one you are trying to solve, work on the easier problem first. Solving an easier problem that requires some of the same steps and formulas will help you to tackle the more difficult problem.
4. Make an educated guess about the answer. Try to estimate the answer before you actually begin to solve it. Identify the numbers and other factors that should contribute to your estimate. Review your estimate and how you made it to determine if you have left anything out.
5. Follow your plan. Complete the steps that you have identified in the order that you have listed them. Double check each of your answers as you work to ensure accuracy.
6. Compare your answers to your estimates. As you complete each step, you may also want to compare your answers to the estimates you came up with for each step as well as your overall estimate for the problem’s answer. Ask yourself, “Do my answers match or closely resemble my estimates?” If they do not match up, consider why. Check your answers to see if you have completed all of the steps correctly.
7. Try a different plan. If your plan is not working, go back to the planning stage and make a new plan. Don’t be discouraged if this happens, mistakes are common when you are just learning how to do something, and you will learn from these mistakes. Accept your mistakes and move on. Try not to dwell on them or get upset.
8. Reflect on the problem. When you have solved the problem correctly, look back at your process. Taking a moment to reflect on the problem and how you solved it will help you the next time you encounter a similar problem. It will also help you to identify any concepts that you need to learn more about and practice.
And if you get stuck or have tried multiple strategies without success. Your teacher or a math tutor may be able to easily identify what is wrong and help you to understand how to correct it.
Source: wikihow
