I'm already clueless about simple algebra word problems. Dreams = *POOF*

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Raizy
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Algebra Dreams
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by students in understanding and solving algebra word problems, particularly in the context of Grade 11 math. Participants share their experiences, frustrations, and strategies related to tackling these types of problems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses feelings of hopelessness and frustration after struggling with word problems despite following instructions and example problems.
  • Another suggests that simply staring at the book is ineffective and recommends jotting down thoughts or discussing the problems with others.
  • A participant questions the effectiveness of seeking help repeatedly, suggesting that understanding comes from solving problems independently.
  • Some participants discuss the importance of practice and suggest breaking down word problems by identifying what is wanted, what is given, and what is known.
  • There is a mention of difficulty in applying learned concepts to different types of problems, indicating a gap between understanding examples and solving varied problems.
  • Questions arise about the method of reading the material, with some participants discussing whether it should be approached like a textbook or a newspaper.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the best approaches to learning and solving word problems, with no clear consensus on the most effective method. Some agree on the importance of practice, while others emphasize the need for independent understanding.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various strategies and experiences, but there are unresolved issues regarding the application of learned concepts to different problems and the effectiveness of different study methods.

Who May Find This Useful

Students struggling with algebra word problems, educators looking for insights into student challenges, and individuals interested in learning strategies for math problem-solving.

Raizy
Messages
107
Reaction score
0
I'll read the instructions, do the example problems, read over them, and then do the word problems:

*Stare at book for 40 mins*
*Blank face... hmm nothing comes up...*
*day dream*
*try to refocus, but no light bulbs at all*
*Take a nap*

Ughs, so much for that dream career. Grade 11 math, already struggling, so hopeless.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Last edited by a moderator:
Go outside and sit down in a quiet part of your garden. Stay there for a while. Afterwards you will be focused.
 
The stare and hope method rarely works. Just start jotting something down, it could be anything, maybe rewrite the question, say it out loud, ask your teacher, or post it here.
 
Going there for help doesn't mean you copy the answers from your friend— you try and figure out the problem with the help of somebody else that already knows how to do it.
 
Raizy said:
I'll read the instructions, do the example problems, read over them, and then do the word problems:

*Stare at book for 40 mins*
*Blank face... hmm nothing comes up...*
*day dream*
*try to refocus, but no light bulbs at all*
*Take a nap*

Ughs, so much for that dream career. Grade 11 math, already struggling, so hopeless.

Are you reading it like a newspaper or reading it like a textbook?
 
Cyrus said:
Are you reading it like a newspaper or reading it like a textbook?
Is this a trick question?
 
Why would it be a trick question?
 
  • #10
Raizy said:
Here's my problem though, if I just keep going there for help I'll never understand the problems for myself.

I think it only matters how many problems you solve.

For word problems, I can suggest to look:
1) what you want
2) what is given
3) what you know

But, it's just the practice that make you good.
 
  • #11
Raizy, have you thoroughly understood all of the example problems?
 
  • #12
lisab said:
Raizy, have you thoroughly understood all of the example problems?

Yeah, but then I have trouble applying it to different types of word problems. I can't seem to manipulate numbers on my own.

I.e. The examples would show me how to solve two types of word problems (I try to do them myself before looking at the steps), but then when I need to solve a word problem that's even just slightly different from the example questions, I get stuck.
 

Similar threads

Schools Struggling with physics as a life choice, depression, etc....
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
7K
My approach to physics seems pointless.
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Conundrum of Pursuing Theoretical Physics: A High School Student's Struggle
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K