Math Strategies

KEY IDEA 1.) Understand the logic in class. 2.) Secure the understanding @ home by doing at least 5 exercises for each skill.

In class: Follow along as your teacher explains a concept and gives examples Write everything down Do not skip any steps Ask SMART math questions if you don’t understand ---write the answer so you don’t forget!

At home: The same day: Do at least 5 problems for each skill Write down any questions if you get stuck (and ask for help the next day) Review/skim your notes EVERY DAY Make a Formula Sheet to keep separate from your notes to use as a quick reference.

SMART Math Questions Asking the following questions will help your teacher better help you! I don’t understand ______ part or step. I don’t understand what (vocabulary/word) means. Could you repeat _____ part or step? How did you get _____? Why did you ______ ( add, subtract, multiply, divide) ? What part of the word problem told you to do that?

CUBES Strategy C – circle key numbers U – underline the question B – box any math action words + - × ÷ E – Evaluate…(what steps do I take?) S – Solve and check your work!

Try it out! Jason had a stock of 1200 books in his bookshop. He sold 75 on Monday, 50 on Tuesday, 64 on Wednesday, 78 on Thursday and 135 on Friday. What percentage of the books were not sold? 

Stuck? Try these tips… Check your notes Think of a similar problem Reread the directions and look for clues Sketch a model Try to break the problem down into smaller steps Ask for help Khan Academy for videos Keep trying!!

Got Mistakes? Silly Mistakes Quick Fix I wrote the wrong number or problem. I did not follow the directions. My work was too messy to read/understand. I did not line up my digits, decimals. I forgot the sign or the unit. Quick Fix Stay focused! Check the numbers/problem you copied. Read directions twice. Write neatly! Give yourself space to work. Check your work to be sure you didn’t leave anything off.

Got Mistakes? Math Mistakes Quick Fix I did not add, subtract, multiply, or divide correctly. I did not simplify my answer. Quick Fix Use the inverse operation to check your work. Check answer with a partner. Show your work to catch mistakes.

Got Mistakes? Process Mistake: Quick Fix: I did not follow the math rules or properties. I did not complete all of the steps, or complete them in order. I did not show my thinking or work for each step. Quick Fix: Look at example problems before you begin. Write neatly and give yourself space to work. Reread the question to be sure you answered all parts. Show your work.