PROBLEMS is an eight step process for solving math word problems that assists you to work out problems in an organized, systematic way and allows you to learn while doing it. It can be used for problems in math, science and out of school problems (you actually solve hundreds of problems each day).

For example:

What clothes to wear?
What is the quickest way to . . ?
Which is a better value . . . or . . . ?

Problem, what is the problem you are trying to solve?
Put the problem into your own words. You need to know what you are solving for before you can solve it.

Record what is known about the problem.
Summarize in your own words and symbols the known information.

Observe a diagram, table or illustration of the situation.
Draw or sketch a visual to help you show the information.

Brainstorm all you know about this problem.
Problem type, methods of solving, impact on others and information sources. What concepts, ideas and operations learned from experience may apply here.

List estimated or possible solutions.
In math and science, give a numerical estimate with units and in other situations write out possible solutions.

Engage in solving the problem.
Use one or more of the POSITIVE methods described on side 2 of the PROBLEMS Bookmark.

Make a check to find if the solution solves the problem.
Check back to the problem and your estimate, then write a sentence using the words from original problem.

Smile and what are variations to this problem?
Think about other problems similar to this problem. You will be able to come up with many that should be recorded and thought about. Also, how this problem could be done differently to get either the same or a different answer.

Do each of the steps fully and check your progress.

Close you eyes and reflect on one math word problem you have done lately and remember the steps of problem solving using the letters of PROBLEMS to assist your remembering.

Problem solving ability is developed by using the PROBLEMS strategy on all problems (even on the “easy to solve” problems) until the strategy becomes a habit, and you can use it on any math word problem.