Panay News

Ways to solve mathematic­s problems faster

-  By May Jean A. Marcelo, School, Dumarao, SST III, Estefania Montemayor National High Capiz

SURE, there are math problemsol­ving strategies. The biggest challenge when solving math problems is not understand­ing the problem. It is not even because you cannot do math. It is because you do not know how to solve it or you do not know the strategies in solving it.

In math classes, with almost every problem that is presented there is some sort of method that is followed that gives the student a solution. But sometimes there are more than one method in finding the answer.

There can be many different solution or paths that allow someone to reach the answer to a problem, but every person looks at a problem in a different way, which is why some people may choose one method over another.

By teaching students this discipline of solving problems, they will be better equipped to reach their goals in the future because they will learn that there are different ways to approach a problem. If the “problem solver” gets stuck, they can try to look at the problem from a different angle and attempt a different method to reach a solution.

Another i dea that i s too often overlooked is that being a problem solver is not a skill. It is a character trait and a mind-set. It takes a person who is motivated intrinsica­lly to go out and solve a problem.

But math teachers have the ability to shape the minds of their students to become problemsol­ving minds. The proven benefit of teaching students problem solving skills is that their achievemen­t, confidence and skills in mathematic­s and other curriculum­s increases. The main reason for this is that problem solving provides students with the ability to look at a situation from different points of view using critical and analytical thinking. By being critical thinkers, students can better foresee outcomes of a situation, allowing them to decide what pathway to the desired solution would be most efficient. Knowing how to solve math problems can surely help a student pass his or her subject. But to know how to solve math problems faster is different and is a plus. Surely again, you will intimidate many students by saying this, but teaching techniques to solve math problems with ease and speed can make it less daunting. This can also make math more rewarding. Instead of relying on calculator­s, students learn strategies that can improve their

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