Read & Listen: Asking Questions to Solve Math Problems
OVERVIEW
On this page, you will learn about using wh questions to solve math problems.
- First, read the text and study the chart with question words.
- Then, listen to audio of the text.
READ & LISTEN
Read:
When you look at a math problem, it is important to ask questions about the information you have. This will help you find the information you need.
Not every piece of information is important. The main idea of a math story problem is in the question, which is usually at the end. Look for important words in the question. These are called keywords. Look for these keywords in the rest of the story problem. This will help you find the important information. Use wh question words, such as who, what, where, when, why, and how, to analyze and answer math story problems.
Example of a Math Story Problem:
The college cafeteria is very busy at lunchtime. 86 students are sitting at tables eating lunch. 6 students are ordering food at the food counter, and 4 students are in line at the cash register. How many students are in the cafeteria?
| Question word | Type of information | Example | Is the information important? |
| who | person |
Who is in the cafeteria? Answer: Students |
Yes. It is a keyword in your question. You need to count all the students to get the total. |
| what | thing |
What are students eating? Answer: They are eating lunch. |
No |
| when | time |
When is the cafeteria busy? Answer: At lunchtime. |
No |
| where | location or place |
Where are the students Answer: They are in the cafeteria. |
Yes. It is a keyword in your question. You need to add all the students in the cafeteria. |
| why | reason |
Why are students in the cafeteria? Answer: To eat lunch. |
No |
|
how many how much |
quantity |
How many students are in the cafeteria? Answer: 96 |
Yes, very important. This is how you find the answer to your math problem. |
The question is about all the students in the cafeteria, which is the total. When you add the three numbers in the story problem, you will get the total:
86 + 6 + 4 = ?
Step 1: 6 + 4 = 10 (Add the easiest numbers first.)
Step 2: 86 + 10 = 96
When you have the solution, write a sentence with your result. Use the same words as the question.
Question: How many students are in the cafeteria?
Result sentence: There are 96 students in the cafeteria.
Listen: