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Introduction to Mathematical Problems
Mathematical problems aren't trying to trick you - they're just real-world scenarios wrapped up in words. The maths inside is stuff you've already learned, but the challenge is figuring out which bit of maths to use.
Think of it like being a detective. You've got all the tools you need in your mathematical toolkit, but you need to work out which one fits the crime scene. Once you crack that code, the rest becomes much more straightforward.
Quick Tip: Most mathematical problems follow predictable patterns once you know what to look for!
Step One - Reading the Question
Read the question twice - seriously, this isn't a waste of time! Your brain picks up different details on the second read-through.
Grab your highlighter and mark the important bits: numbers, units, and names. These are your clues. If Sarah has 20 apples and gives away 5, those numbers and Sarah's name all matter.
Here's a neat trick: check how many marks the question is worth. Roughly one mark equals one minute of work, so a 4-mark question shouldn't take you half an hour to solve.
Remember: The question is giving you a roadmap - you just need to learn how to read it properly!
Step Two - Identifying Key Information and Clues
Now you're playing detective with your highlighted information. Decide what's actually useful from everything you've marked - not all of it will be!
Look for mathematical clues in the language. Words like "probability," "percentage," or "speed" are massive hints about which area of maths you'll need. Units like metres per second or pounds sterling also point you in the right direction.
Think about your final answer format early on. Does it need to be money? A fraction? A speed? Knowing where you're heading makes the journey much clearer.
Pro Tip: The question often tells you exactly what type of maths to use - you just need to spot the clues!
Step Three - What Not to Focus On
Here's where things get interesting - some information is just there to distract you. If a question mentions three people but only asks about one, don't get sidetracked by the irrelevant details.
Red herring information might seem important but actually leads you nowhere. Stay focused on what the question is actually asking for, not what seems most obvious.
Sometimes information becomes useful later in the problem, so don't panic if something doesn't make sense immediately. Just park it in your mind and move forward with what you can work with.
Stay Focused: Not every piece of information is meant to be used - learn to filter out the noise!
Step Four - Doing the Maths
Right, time to get your hands dirty with the actual calculations. Think back to step two - what type of maths did you identify? Start there.
If you're looking for speed, you know you need distance and time because speed = distance ÷ time. If it's percentages, you're looking for parts of a whole. Let the type of answer guide your approach.
Don't give up if your first attempt doesn't work! Sometimes the "wrong" method actually helps you understand what the right method should be. Many problems use multiple areas of maths, so be prepared to switch gears.
Keep Going: Every attempt teaches you something, even if it doesn't give you the final answer!
Step Five - Checking Your Answer
Does your answer make sense? If you calculated that someone runs 500 miles per hour, something's gone wrong! Your answer should fit the real-world scenario.
Try working backwards or using a different method if you have time. If you get the same answer both ways, you're probably spot on.
Double-check your units and rounding. The question might want pounds and pence, not just pounds, or it might ask for your answer to 2 decimal places.
Final Check: A sensible answer in the right format with correct calculations = mathematical success!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content in Maths
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Introduction to Mathematical Problems
Mathematical problems aren't trying to trick you - they're just real-world scenarios wrapped up in words. The maths inside is stuff you've already learned, but the challenge is figuring out which bit of maths to use.
Think of it like being a detective. You've got all the tools you need in your mathematical toolkit, but you need to work out which one fits the crime scene. Once you crack that code, the rest becomes much more straightforward.
Quick Tip: Most mathematical problems follow predictable patterns once you know what to look for!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Step One - Reading the Question
Read the question twice - seriously, this isn't a waste of time! Your brain picks up different details on the second read-through.
Grab your highlighter and mark the important bits: numbers, units, and names. These are your clues. If Sarah has 20 apples and gives away 5, those numbers and Sarah's name all matter.
Here's a neat trick: check how many marks the question is worth. Roughly one mark equals one minute of work, so a 4-mark question shouldn't take you half an hour to solve.
Remember: The question is giving you a roadmap - you just need to learn how to read it properly!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Step Two - Identifying Key Information and Clues
Now you're playing detective with your highlighted information. Decide what's actually useful from everything you've marked - not all of it will be!
Look for mathematical clues in the language. Words like "probability," "percentage," or "speed" are massive hints about which area of maths you'll need. Units like metres per second or pounds sterling also point you in the right direction.
Think about your final answer format early on. Does it need to be money? A fraction? A speed? Knowing where you're heading makes the journey much clearer.
Pro Tip: The question often tells you exactly what type of maths to use - you just need to spot the clues!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Step Three - What Not to Focus On
Here's where things get interesting - some information is just there to distract you. If a question mentions three people but only asks about one, don't get sidetracked by the irrelevant details.
Red herring information might seem important but actually leads you nowhere. Stay focused on what the question is actually asking for, not what seems most obvious.
Sometimes information becomes useful later in the problem, so don't panic if something doesn't make sense immediately. Just park it in your mind and move forward with what you can work with.
Stay Focused: Not every piece of information is meant to be used - learn to filter out the noise!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Step Four - Doing the Maths
Right, time to get your hands dirty with the actual calculations. Think back to step two - what type of maths did you identify? Start there.
If you're looking for speed, you know you need distance and time because speed = distance ÷ time. If it's percentages, you're looking for parts of a whole. Let the type of answer guide your approach.
Don't give up if your first attempt doesn't work! Sometimes the "wrong" method actually helps you understand what the right method should be. Many problems use multiple areas of maths, so be prepared to switch gears.
Keep Going: Every attempt teaches you something, even if it doesn't give you the final answer!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Step Five - Checking Your Answer
Does your answer make sense? If you calculated that someone runs 500 miles per hour, something's gone wrong! Your answer should fit the real-world scenario.
Try working backwards or using a different method if you have time. If you get the same answer both ways, you're probably spot on.
Double-check your units and rounding. The question might want pounds and pence, not just pounds, or it might ask for your answer to 2 decimal places.
Final Check: A sensible answer in the right format with correct calculations = mathematical success!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user