Math Word Problems Study Skills, cont. While it is not possible to teach another the mental patterns used for problem identification, the discovery of these patterns can certainly be facilitated. It would be desirable to have a method which was easy for the students to remember as well, so that it would not be repressed under the stress of an exam situation. The method of problem simplification described below appears to have both of these characteristics. The acronym stands for Read, Emphasize, List, Ask, Test, Enter.
R ead the problem slowly and carefully.
Read each question that is asked. Don't skip over any word or part of the problem. E mphasize the numerical data and relationships given in the problem, and the statement of the question that is asked. This can be done by underlining, circling, using an accent marker, or in other ways. L ist the numerical data, including dimensions or units, on your worksheet.