How to solve difficult maths homework problems with ease?
Tackling a difficult maths problem can make an average homework assignment seem endless. But you don’t have to stay stuck in a maths rut.
Here are a few helpful tips for solving that difficult maths problem.
Know what you’re being asked. Read the problem very carefully and make sure you know exactly what you’re looking for. Nothing makes a maths problem harder than trying to find a solution to a problem that isn’t there! Don’t start solving a problem until you feel confident you know what you’re being asked to find.
Determine your knowns and unknowns. Every maths problem will have two basic ingredients: knowns and unknowns. The “knowns" are all the information given to you in the problem. The “unknowns" are all the things you’re being asked to find. If you’re having a hard time sorting out a problem, take a step back and list your knowns and unknowns. This works especially well for word problems. Once you can see all of your information laid out in a clear way, you might see your way to the answer more easily.
Take it step-by-step. When a problem is particularly difficult, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by what comes next. Don’t panic. Focus on each step of the problem, one at a time, and make sure the work you do in each step is correct and clear. Breaking your work into manageable steps will cut down on your anxiety and help you focus on smaller, easier calculations.
Use examples to guide you. Most homework problems will be like a similar problem solved correctly in your textbook or in your class notes. Use these examples to help you work your way through a tough problem. Sometimes, solving a similar and easier problem can unlock ideas that will help you get over your hurdles.
Locate patterns. Look back at your knowns and unknowns. Do you see any patterns there? These patterns are important, and they are probably a key to solving the problem. Sometimes those patterns are the solution to your problem. Always look for patterns. They can be your best friend in a difficult maths problem.
Try an educated guess. If you’re really stuck, look back at your knowns and unknowns and make an educated guess of your answer. This will give you something to work towards, and it might make your solving easier. Once you’ve finished the problem, you can compare it to you educated guess. If they’re close, you probably solved the problem correctly. If they aren’t close, you can return to your work and see where you might have made a mistake.
Review your work. If you solve the problem, don’t just move on. Go back and review your work. Make sure everything you did makes sense. If you pay close attention to your work in this review, it’ll help you tackle the next problem.