Helpful Hint #9: 

1.       Read the entire problem as many times as it takes to get a general idea of what the problem is about, to understand the question, and to decide what is to be done.

2.       Find what is being asked and the facts you need to answer the question:  Underline the question part of the problem.

3.       Cross out extraneous (unnecessary) information.

4.       Make a transition from words to symbols (Hint #4):

Write something on your paper, draw a diagram or picture, or make a table. Associating yourself with the situation in the problem will make it easier to solve.

5.       Decide what mathematical process you need to use to solve the problem:

Look for key words in the problem (such as total, difference, average)to decide what math skills to use. Word problems can be solved using only addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.

6.       Write the problem as an equation and solve the computation.

7.       Clearly state the answer to the question:

x = 2 might mean the width is 2 feet, or that John is 2 years old.

8.       Check the answer in the story problem:     Does it make sense and seem correct?  An answer of 750 mph for the speed of a car is impossible, and therefore incorrect.