Download Math Problem Steps for Solving

Steps for Solving Math
Problems
Integrated Science
Glencoe Chapter 3
Calculations
Step #1 – Draw a picture
• It is said “A picture is worth 1000 words”
• In Mr. Neely’s science class it is worth 1
point out of 6.
• Stick figures are okay, but it must
represent the situation.
Step #2 – Write a variable list
• A variable list does just that, it lists variables.
• It lists the given and unknown variables that
are in the problem to be solved.
V=?
 unknown
D = 5.0 m  given
T = 2.5 s  given
Step #3 – Write the equation to be
used to solve the problem.
• What equation will you use?
• If you write it out, you will not forget later,
and I can see your logic.
• Write it out with no numbers, only the
variables so you can be sure to use the
right numbers in the correct places.
Step #4 - Show your work.
• Plug in the variables you do know into the
equation you just wrote down.
• Leave the unknown value as the variable
letter, and then solve for the unknown.
V = 5.0m
2.5 s
Step #5 – Calculate the
correct answer
• Use a calculator to compute the correct
answer.
• Add, subtract, multiply, divide
• Use correct math operations to compute
the correct answer.
Step #6 – Correct units / labels on
all numbers.
• Numbers without units are meaningless in
science.
• For example: “Give me 20!” Twenty what?
• There must be correct units for each number
so we know what the values represent.
Summary
• Math problems are generally worth 6
points each in Mr. Neely’s class.
• One point per step.
• The answer by itself is worth zero points.
• You MUST show me how you got the
answer to earn points.
• Even if you do not know how to do the
problem, at least draw a picture, and write
the variable list. That will earn you partial
credit.