Math And Word ProblemsMath is so scary for some of us, but I have figured out some strategies that could make it easier and fun too! First, let's break math down to two simple areas, solving problems with equations and solving problems in word problems. When you think about math, think about solving puzzles. Puzzles are fun.
Equations and algorithms. Algorithms are just number problems (or number puzzles). They are pretty easy when they require only one or two steps like multiplying 6x12. But it gets much harder when you are trying to do multi-step problems. So here are some typical struggles that people can have. Some people don't really know their math facts - you know, addition and multiplication. They had a hard time memorizing that kind of thing in third grade and then they or someone else just rationalized it by saying they could use a calculator. That sounds reasonable - but not knowing your math facts can really make life hard for you and your brain. Solving multi-step problems requires that you use a lot of working memory. If you know your facts, you don't have to use that working memory space to calculate 6x12, you just automatically know that the answer is 72. Let's look at a specific problem so you can see how this memory stuff works. 57892 x 358 or 57892
x 358 So you have to know how much 8x2 is. You all probably know that one. So your brain automatically says 16 and now you have to remember to write down just the 6 and hold onto the one. Now comes the tough part. How much is 8x9? Well if you don't automatically know that 8x9 is 72, you have to figure it out by starting back at 8 times some number you do know and then add up from there. Or you might stop and use the calculator. Then you have to remember to write down the 2 and hold onto the 7, BUT WAIT! You forgot to add the one that you carried from the ones place. All that suspended memory is your working memory loaded up with unnecessary stuff. And if you are one of those people who has trouble with this stuff, get help now!!! Life will be much easier and you will be able to do much better in algebra when you know your math facts inside and out.
If you don't know your math facts, get some help from your math teacher to figure out which ones you are missing. Then go to the memory page for some tricks for memorizing them. Another thing that some kids do is to hold too much in their working memory and not write anything down. A lot of kids who have graphomotor weaknesses do this. They learned back when the problems were no more than two or three steps, that this was easier than writing the problem down on paper. The problem is, it's only easy when it is a short problem. And it's really a problem for the teacher who needs to see your thinking process in order to help you. And then there is another kind of problem that also effects kids with graphomotor weaknesses as well as kids with visual/spatial processing weaknesses. They have trouble lining up the numbers correctly or writing the actual numbers legibly. So a 5 might look like a 6 or a 3 or a letter might look like a number (like the variable /b/ can really look like a 6) and then confuse you. I suggest you buy some large grid paper to help you line up the numbers properly. Word Problems Understanding My Strengths and Struggles
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