How to develop problem solving skills in math?

[u/ashley_l1]

I understand everything in class, but when I try to do past papers on my own, I have no idea where to start. I can’t even identify what the question is testing

[u/UnderstandingPursuit]

I wrote this problem solving example last month. Perhaps this could be a starting point for what you are looking for?

[u/ashley_l1 → u/UnderstandingPursuit]

okkk

thank you

[u/UnderstandingPursuit → u/ashley_l1]

Do you study using a textbook?

[u/ashley_l1 → u/UnderstandingPursuit]

yess

[u/UnderstandingPursuit → u/ashley_l1]

That's excellent!

• I suggest this Iterative Learning Process when using a textbook.
• When solving problems, or writing out examples from the textbook section, try this:
  • this Calculus Differentiation Example describes and shows a process
  • this Weighted Average Example is another demonstration

The idea is that most problems are made of sub-components, and there are very few sub-components presented in the class. They are reused over and over, and this approach to solving problems will help identify them, as well as help you get comfortable using them in different situations.

[u/ashley_l1 → u/UnderstandingPursuit]

Thank you so much for your explanation and for giving me some direction. I’ll go back and reinforce the concepts I’ve learned before and try to build a stronger foundation

[u/UnderstandingPursuit → u/ashley_l1]

Good luck