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Strategies of solving a word problem aka story sums

Solving a word problem is very interesting but sometimes it becomes difficult for learners to frame an equation from the given information. In my classes I use my own method which I call the “AEC” method, where A stands for algebraic terms, E for expressions and C  for comparison. Let’s see how it works !

Creating Algebraic terms :

The First step is  making algebraic term for the unknowns. When your learners are going to solve a algebra related word problem or any other mathematical word problems ask them to assign some variables  for the quantities which they are supposed to find. It may be a,b,x,y etc. You can show it by writing different information on different parts at white/smart board. 

Creating algebraic Expressions :

Now ask them to create expressions by using the previously created terms. Like more than 2, less than 3,twice of, thrice of etc. Like a+2 , y–3 , 2b , 3m etc. You can do it by doing some editing in the algebraic terms which were created in the 1st part.

Comparing expressions :

This is the last part and the most important one. Here tell them to read questions carefully and make some connections how one situation is compared to another. By doing this , when they compare they will get an equation. You can show them by making  some connecting lines between previously created expressions in order to make equations. Say 3a+5 = 32 etc or it may be a system of equations like 2x+3y=10 and5x-8y=-6

Hope it will help your learners !

Newbie

Written by Shrivastava11

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