Cancel and combine. When you set up a problem logically, you can take shortcuts. For example, if the same term appears in both dividend and divisor, they will cancel each other. Draw a picture. Make a diagram.
Pictures help keep the facts straight.
They show relationships more effectively than words. To keep on track, record your facts in tables. Consider using three columns titled What I already know, What I want to find out and What relates the two . This last column is the place to record a formula that can help you solve the problem. Read the problem aloud.