Introduction
Do you feel confident with your Math skills but struggle with worded Math questions? You're not alone. Answering worded Math questions can be tricky and confusing, even for the most talented students. But don't worry, because in this blog post, we'll help you master these questions and improve your scores on tests and exams.
Importance of Answering Worded Maths Questions Effectively
Let's face it, Maths exams can be tough, and worded Maths questions can make them even tougher. However, understanding how to approach and answer these questions is crucial for achieving success in your Maths exams. By mastering worded Maths questions, you'll be able to tackle any Maths exam with confidence and achieve the Grade 7/8/9 that you have been predicted.
Overview of the Most Common Types of Worded Maths Questions
Worded Maths questions come in many different forms, each requiring a different approach and set of skills. We'll provide you with an overview of the most common types of worded Maths questions, such as problem-solving, data analysis, and application questions. By knowing the different types of questions, you'll be able to identify what the question is asking and approach it with ease.
The Impact of Misunderstanding Worded Maths Questions on Overall Performance in Maths Exams
Misunderstanding worded Maths questions can have a huge impact on your overall scores in Maths exams. Even if you're confident in your Maths skills, getting stuck on a worded question can cause unnecessary stress and lead to lost marks. But don't worry, we're here to help you avoid this problem and boost your performance in Maths exams.
Common Types of Worded Maths Questions
Description of common types of worded Maths questions
- Applying Formula - questions where you are required to substitute values into a worded formula such as speed equals distance divided by time
- Data Analysis - here you are given data in the form of a table or graph which you first need to understand before you are able to answer the question.
- Problem Solving - These are questions where you are given some text up to 3 or 4 lines and you need to figure out what the question requires you to do. These will usually require you to do one or two calculations.
- Multi Step Problem Solving - Similar to problem solving above, but these contain longer text usually 5 or more lines of text. Usually you will be required to do 3 or more calculations before getting to the final answer.
- Problem Solving in Geometry - these are questions where you are given a few lines of information that can be represented in the form of a sketch or diagram making it easier to visualise the problem.
- Explanation Questions - you will be asked about whether you agree or disagree with the statement provided. You will need to do some calculations and then form a conclusion stating whether or not you agree with the given statement.
Examples of each type of question
Here you will find examples of the six main types of worded questions outlined above.
Formula Question
Here is a basic formula question, most students are fine with these ones, its others they struggle with.
We need to work out the speed and the formula is speed equals distance divided by time.
Speed = 1200km / 4 hours = 300 km/h and that’s your final answer
Data Analysis Question
Here we are given a cumulative frequency diagram, we are asked a number of different questions, these questions will require use to interpolate (draw lines on) the diagram.
Firth to find the median, fins half the total frequency which is 100 and draw a horizontal line from 100 until we touch the curve, then draw vertically downwards and read off the value. I get 36cm for the median.
The next part is to find the Interquartile Range, which is Upper quartile - lower quartile. To find these we find one quarter and three quarters of the frequency, 50 and 150 respectively. Draw horizontal lines at 50 and 150 and read off the measurements where they intersect the x-axis.
Lets say 34.8cm for lower quartile and 37cm for upper quartile. Subtracting these gives the interquartile range of 3.2cm.
Finally for part c, we find 34cm on the x-axis and draw a line vertically to the curve and then horizontally to the y-axis and read off the value. We get 24, there are 24 people with a next measurement of less than 34cm.
Problem Solving Question
Here is a three mark problem solving question. Give yourself three minutes on this question and then read on.
First read through the question and highlight/ underline any key words
The question is asking you to work out when the buses will leave at the same time. If they leave together at 9am and Acton buses leave every 24 minutes, we have 9:00, 9:24, 9:48, 10:12,…
Similarly Barton bus times would be 9:00, 9:20, 9:40, 10:00,…
What topic is this similar to and can this four line question be asked in a much simpler way in just a few words.
If you said Lowest Common Multiple, you were right. The question can be simplified to what is the lowest common multiple of 20 and 24.
The answer to this question is 120 which represents 120 minutes.
Remember the question needs a time, so the answer is 120 minutes after 9am which is 11am.
Multistep Worded Questions
Here is a four mark question which less than 1% of Year 11s were able to answer correctly in their exam. Please spend four minutes attempting this before reading on.
The question is asking us for a formula for h in terms of x.
The key information is the question is that their surface areas are equal.
Both shapes have two surfaces, the curved surface and the circle on the bottom. Both shapes have circles of identical radius, so will have the same area, we can therefore omit both of these and conclude
Curved surface area of cone = curved surface area of hemisphere
This question is a little more complicated to explain in words, so I have attached my working out.
If you got that correct on your own, you are well on your way to getting a Grade 9 as less than 1% of students were able to get this correct in the GCSE exam.
Geometry Question
Here the question has four squares and we need to find the co-ordinates of C. Please spend a few minutes attempting this question before reading on.
A key piece of information here is that we have four identical squares.
Horizontally the width of the four squares is 38-6 = 32
So each square has a width of 32/4=8 units
We cant do the same calculation vertically because of the overlap near point C. However, we know its a square so the height and width are the same, both are 8 units.
From the diagram, we can see that the x-co-ordinate of C is exactly two widths from point A, 6+8+8=22, the x-co-ordinate of C is 22.
Also from the diagram, the y co-ordinate of C is exactly two squares below point B. 36-8-8=20 for the y-co-ordinate.
We can conclude that point C is at (22,20), we can check this is correct visually on the diagram
Explanation Question
This question is asking us to work out whether petrol is cheaper in the UK or USA. For your final answer you must decide and write down UK or USA. Spend four minutes on this before reading on.
What makes the question difficult is the currency conversion and the litre/gallon conversion.
First decide on your final units, use either pounds per litre or dollars per gallon.
Lets go with pounds per litre. The good news is UK is already done, it costs £1.24 per litre.
For USA we convert 1 gallon into 3.79 litres. If £1 = $1.47, then $3.15 = £3.15/1.47 = £2.14
To work out the cost in pounds per litre, we do £2.14 / 3.79 litres = £0.57 per litre.
Now answer the question, since £0.57 per litre is less than £1.24 per litre, the USA is cheaper.
Why do students struggle with Worded Maths Questions
Worded Maths questions can be challenging for a few reasons. Firstly, they require you to not only understand Maths concepts but also be able to apply them to real-world situations. Secondly, the language used in worded Maths questions can be confusing and difficult to decipher. Finally, some students may struggle with anxiety or time pressure during exams, which can make it harder to read and interpret the questions accurately.
Try and think about the following when tackling these problems:
- What is the question asking me?
- What information have I been provided?
- What Maths is required in the question?
- What working out do I need to do?
- Is the answer reasonable and can I check it is correct?
But don't worry, we're going to give you some tips and strategies to help you overcome these challenges and excel at worded Maths questions!
Common Mistakes When Answering Worded Maths Questions
Uh oh, it's easy to make mistakes when answering worded Maths questions, even if you're a Maths whiz! Here are some of the most common mistakes that students make and how to avoid them.
- Misreading Numbers - sometimes students misread numbers within questions such as 35 instead of 53
- Misunderstanding the question - Not fully understanding the Maths required to solve the problem. The question may need you to multiply but instead you have added values.
- Copying the formula incorrectly - this one is self explanatory, if you copy the formula wrong, no matter how well you substitute values, you will get the answer wrong.
- Calculator errors - these include typing the wrong numbers into you calculator, or copying the number incorrectly from your calculator to your page
- Not checking your answer - ensure your answer makes sense in the context of the question, in a question involving the cars speed if you get an answer of 700km/h sometime has gone wrong.
- Rounding errors - make sure you are giving your answer to the required accuracy, this could be decimal places or significant figures. If a question does not state the required accuracy, stick to three significant figures
- Not doing writing down your working out - yes it is quicker to do things in your head, but your examiner can’t follow what you are doing if you haven’t written it down clearly.
- Arithmetic Errors - these are errors where all you working out on paper is correct but you have made an arithmetic error along the way and as a result, your final answer is wrong. You will usually earn all but one mark for these.
Tips on How to Avoid These Mistakes and Improve Performance in Maths Exams
- Underline and highlight key words and phrases in the text
- Read the question carefully and make sure you understand what it's asking you to do before you start solving the problem.
- Double-check your calculations and ensure that you have entered numbers correctly into your calculator.
- Check your answer to make sure it makes sense in the context of the question and that you have given your answer to the required accuracy.
- Always show your working out, so you (or your examiner) can spot any mistakes you may have made. Remember with good working out on a four mark question, you can still get three marks even if the answer is wrong if the working out is correct.
- Draw a sketch or diagram if it would be beneficial.
- Ensure you’ve written the correct units in your answer.
- Don't rush, take your time and work through the question methodically.
- Time management - if you have a three mark question and after three minutes you are getting nowhere, move on to the next question and come back to this one later.
- The more worded Maths questions you attempt, the better you will become at answering them.
By following these tips, you'll be better equipped to avoid common mistakes and improve your performance on worded Maths questions. Remember, answering worded Maths questions effectively takes practice and patience, but with the right approach and mindset, you can master these questions and excel in your Maths exams.
Strategies for Answering Worded Maths Questions Effectively
How to Apply These Strategies to Different Types of Worded Maths Questions
Let's take a closer look at how to apply these strategies to different types of worded Maths questions.
For problem-solving questions, start by identifying the key information and visualizing the problem. Then, apply the relevant formula or equation and show your working out step-by-step.
For data analysis questions, start by interpreting the data presented in the graph or chart. Then, use the relevant Maths formula or equation to solve the problem and show your working out step-by-step.
For application questions, start by understanding the scenario or situation presented in the question. Then, use the relevant Maths concept or formula to solve the problem and show your working out step-by-step.
Tips for Improving Confidence and Performance in Maths Exams
To improve your confidence and performance in Maths exams, try to practice answering worded Maths questions regularly. Use past papers and practice questions to identify areas for improvement and work on these areas. Additionally, try to manage your time effectively during exams and prioritize the questions you feel most confident answering first.
By following these strategies and tips, you'll be better equipped to answer worded Maths questions effectively and improve your performance in Maths exams. Good luck!
How to Improve Speed
One common problem is that students run out of time in Exams, this is usually because of poor time management.
In the GCSE Exam, students are given enough time to work at a pace of 1 mark per minute. The way we teach out students is to get them to try and work at a pace of two marks every minute, double the required speed. Now you wont be able to answer every question at this pace but what this allows you to do is spend more time on the harder questions.
When it comes to the exam, if you are attempting a three mark question and after three minutes, you have not made any progress, skip the question and come back to it later. By working like this, our students typically complete 80% of the exam in half the time. Now they have the remaining half of the exam to complete the final 20% of the exam and check their working.
When you come back to those questions you have skipped, you approach them from a fresh angle and are more relaxed and usually the technique will just come to you.
Understanding the Language of Worded Maths Questions
Worded Maths questions can often be difficult to understand due to the language used. Here are some tips for interpreting and understanding the language of worded Maths questions:
The first step is to read the question carefully and identify any unfamiliar words or phrases.
Next, try to rephrase the question in your own words to ensure you have understood it correctly. It can also be helpful to break down the question into smaller parts to identify the key information.
Key words used in GCSE Maths Exams
Here we have selected some words that are commonly used in GCSE Maths exams along with a short explanation of what they mean.
- Complete - finish it off, commonly you could be given a sequence of numbers and asked to complete the missing values
- Workout - this usually involves a sum, workout the value of 37 multiplied by 53
- Find - similar to workout above - commonly used with the word of in the context of fractions and percentages. Find 25% of 72
- Simplify - Rewrite what you are given in a simpler format, could be fractions or an algebraic expression
- Calculate - Do a calculation to work out the value - this could be with or without a calculator
- Solve - work out the value of the unknown value, usually an equation is involved
- Explain - use words to make it easier to understand
- Show - Get to the answer stated without using the answer in your working out
The language used in worded Maths questions can often impact the meaning of the question. For example, words such as "more than" or "less than" can completely change the direction of the problem.
Similarly, words like "per" or "each" can impact the way in which the problem needs to be solved. It's important to read the question carefully and understand the meaning behind the language used.
How to Identify the Key Information in the Question
To identify the key information in the question, try to break it down into smaller parts and identify the information that is relevant to solving the problem. Look for keywords or phrases that indicate what Maths concept or formula needs to be applied. Pay attention to any units of measurement or other relevant information that may impact the solution.
By understanding the language of worded Maths questions and identifying the key information, you'll be better equipped to solve these types of problems effectively. Remember to read the question carefully, break it down into smaller parts, and use your knowledge of Maths concepts and formulas to find the solution.
Conclusion
In conclusion, answering worded Maths questions effectively is crucial to achieving top grades and performing well in Maths exams. We've covered the common types of worded Maths questions, the mistakes to avoid, and the strategies for answering these types of questions effectively.
We discussed how worded Maths questions can be difficult due to the language used and how misunderstanding them can negatively impact your overall Maths performance. It's important to read the question carefully, identify the key information, and apply the relevant Maths concepts and formulas to find the solution.
Final Thoughts for Students Looking to Improve Their Maths Performance
If you're looking to improve your Maths performance, start by practicing answering worded Maths questions regularly. Use past papers and practice questions to identify areas for improvement and work on these areas. Additionally, try to manage your time effectively during exams and prioritize the questions you feel most confident answering first. Remember to read the question carefully, break it down into smaller parts, and use your knowledge of Maths concepts and formulas to find the solution.
In summary, answering worded Maths questions effectively is a key skill for excelling in Maths exams. By following the tips and strategies we've discussed, you'll be better equipped to tackle these types of questions and improve your overall Maths performance. Good luck!
