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There are four steps to solving a written problem: reading the problem, constructing mathematical sentences, solving the operations and giving the solution to the problem. In a way, a problem is an enigma posed to us.
Obviously, the first thing to do is to carefully read the problem to be solved. As you read, you need to pay attention and identify :
the essential data to solve the problem
unnecessary information
the question to be answered.
After reading, only the essential information is retained.
Sophie is 14 years old. She wants to buy a bicycle costing 100 dollars. She saves 10 dollars a week. In how many weeks will she be able to buy the bike?
Sophie is 14: useless data
She wants to buy a bicycle costing 100 dollars: essential information
She saves 10 dollars a week: essential information
In how many weeks will she be able to buy the bike: question
After the first step, we retain the essential data for the problem. With this data, we need to construct a mathematical sentence, i.e. a series of operations that we need to solve to find the answer to the problem.
Price of bike ÷ money saved per week = number of weeks needed
100 ÷ $10 per week = number of weeks needed
To construct mathematical sentences, you need to be able to identify the key words associated with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Once you have constructed the mathematical sentence, you need to carry out the operations it contains.
100 ÷ $10 per week = 10 weeks
After making the necessary calculations, you need to give the answer to the problem in the form of a sentence. Don't forget to specify the unit of measurement for the answer.
In this example, we can write the answer like this: Sophie will be able to buy her bike in 10 weeks. If you only answer ‘10’, the answer is incomplete.