Q&A for How to Solve Math Problems

As a student, the vocabulary in math is really important. Aside from regular note-taking, I highly recommend breaking down key terms into its separate components. For example, "trigonometry" is a huge word. If you break it down into its topics on measurement, angle relationships, and right triangles, it becomes a lot easier to understand the subject as a whole.

A lot of times this just comes down to processing what they're asking. So for example, if they're asking a question about an airplane, you could draw a little airplane and jot down each number you're given. Then, ask yourself, "Why are they giving me this information and what can I do with it?" This will often make it easier to transfer that information into an actionable problem.

Math is all about finding patterns. Graphs, equations, and data are obvious, but if you look at simple algebra, then you'll find there are patterns there as well. The addition chart, subtraction and division charts, and the infamous times tables, are all filled with intriguing patterns. Although not all math questions need you to find a pattern, it is how Einstein, Stephen Hawking, and many other prominent minds considered mathematics.

Look at examples of each problem in your textbook and break each problem down into steps. Focus on understanding one step at a time to comprehend the entire problem.

Take deep breaths and calm your mind. Just focus on the question in front of you.

The rule is to solve all multiplication and division problems first, then do the adding and subtracting. Within those parameters, it's customary (but not mandatory) to move from left to right. The answer above is 21.

This is easier if you think total age instead of averages. Initial total age = 40 * 16 yrs = 640 years. Final total age = 40 (because a new student replaced the one who left) * 15.95 years = 638 years. So the new student is 2 years younger than the 17 year old he replaced. So his age is 15.

One pen costs Rs 2.50. The number of pens you can buy with 50 Rs is represented by X. X = 50 ÷ 2.50, so X = 20. You can buy 20 pens.

100 mls. It's just 300:100, so to find one part you would divide 300 by 3 = 100.

A prime number is a number that can only be evenly divided by 1 and itself. For example, 5 can only be evenly divided by 1 and 5, so it is a prime number.

Set up a system of two equations. You know that girls sold 6 tickets each and boys sold 8 tickets each for a total of 240, so 6x+8y=260. You know that there are 40 students, so x+y=40. If you isolate x, you get x=40-y. Substitute x in the previous equation to get 6(40-y)+8y=240 and get 240-6y+8y=260. Simplify to get 2y=20 and then you find that there are 10 boys. Subtract that from 40 students and get 40-10 or 30 girls.

First, assume that x= the smaller number and y=the larger number. y-x=42, y+5=3(x+5), y+5=3x+15, y-3x=10. Now subtract the equation y-3x=10 from y-x=42. Thus 2x=32, x=16. 16 is the smaller number and 58 is the larger number.

Read the question twice, then break it down into smaller steps. Check your work at each step.

The job consists of 10 x 13 = 130 "men-days" of work. The same amount of work performed by 6 men implies that each man will do one-sixth of 130 "men-days" of work. 130 ÷ 6 = 21 2/3. So the job will be done in 21 2/3 days.

Assuming that you mean x+ (x*5)/100 = 349 you should do this: x + (5x)/100 = 349 /*100, 100x +5x = 34900, 105x = 34900 / :105. Thus x= around 332.

Profit%= profit × 100 C.p Loss%= loss × 100 C.p

If being a little tense means you do well in your exams, then being tense is not such a bad thing. It means you care about your grades.

HCF is highest common factor. LCM, on the other hand, is lowest common factor.

Let x be the angle you're looking for. Then 5(90 - x) = 2(180 - x). So 450 - 5x = 360 - 2x. Subtracting 360 from both sides and adding 5x to both sides: 90 = 3x, so x = 30°.

Assuming each tile is 0.5 meter on each edge, the 7-meter length of the room will require 14 tiles (7 ÷ .5 = 14). The 3.5-meter width will require seven tiles (3.5 ÷ .5 = 7). Therefore the floor will consist of 14 x 7 = 98 tiles (assuming no space between tiles).

16 is 16/20 of 20. 16/20 is 80/100, or 80%.

5×10/12=50÷12(multiply 5 and 10 which is =50)then divide the getting answer 50 by 12 which is = 4.1666 in rounding of the number becomes 4.167.

Let x be one angle and y the other. Then x + y = 116, and x - y = 24. Add these two equations together: (x+y) + (x-y) = (116) + (24). That equation simplifies to 2x = 140. So x = 70°. If 70 - y = 24, y = 46°. If x + y = 116, the third angle is 180° - 116° = 64°.

$150. Its just 50 x 3 which is equal to 150. Therefore $150 is your answer.

Get a tutor, ask your mathematics teacher for extra help, or check out some educational websites. Khan Academy is one of the most popular.

If you're dividing by 100 or 10, you just have to move back points. But, if you have other numbers, there is no other way.

Multiply $1,234.00 by 100% and then divide by 20%. The solution is $6,170.00.

A composite number is a number that can be made by multiplying other whole numbers, while a compound number is a quantity expressed in terms of more than one unit or denomination, such as 5 feet 7 inches or 2 pounds 3 ounces.

The M.D.A.S. rule and the P.E.M.D.A.S rule are usually NOT the main problem solving skill. You have to use them when you are solving any equations.

It would take him four days to drink a pint, so it would take him 20 days to drink five pints.