Get help with the problem right away. Do not wait. This often requires more than one reading of the problem. For example, the word 'altogether' will usually mean you have to add or multiply. P ick out the numbers that you will have to use in order to calculate the answer to the problem.
E stimate an answer.
This is an important skill to develop. Effective use of estimation allows you to judge whether or not your answer makes sense. C alculate the answer. Be careful and double check your work if you are not sure, or if the answer you got does not 'fit' with what you estimated it should be. T ranslate your results into a statement that answers that question the problem asks you to solve.