How To Solve Any Math Problem In Seconds

For some people, the time it takes to solve math problems can be daunting, especially during a math test. However, there are a few tricks of the trade that can help you solve math problems much more quickly, sometimes in mere seconds. Anybody can use these steps to improve their speed at solving problems, and you don't need to be a math wizard to take advantage of these tactics.

One of the most common roadblocks for math students is the difficulty in breaking down problems into their essential components. Indeed, the core of speedy solving skills is identifying what is actually being asked before you even start performing calculations.

For example, every word problem is really just a "wordy" way of presenting a numerical math problem. All those apples and oranges are actually just numbers; you only have to identify the equation in question.  It's all about simplifying the problem and coming up with a road map to solving it. Once you have the underlying simplified problem in front of you, the rest of the solution just boils down to crunching numbers.

First off, the order of operations is your best friend. For arithmetic, you can find the solution to an equation by following the order of operations. For algebra and beyond, however, the order of operations can also be used to simplify expressions, i.e. equations with variables, making them easier to understand. Thus, mastering the order of operations is a key to tackling any problems with speed. If you struggle to remember the order of operations, write the classic mnemonic device "PEMDAS" at the top of your worksheet before you begin. You can also write out each letter's meaning: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction. 

Second, let your calculator do the heavy lifting. If you have access to a calculator, keep it close at hand to quickly calculate arithmetic problems that you can't easily solve in your head. Don't bother adding or multiplying numbers by hand. Advanced calculators even allow you to enter more complex equations, with keys for parentheses and exponents. Practice using all the functions at your disposal before your next test. Sometimes, it may prove quicker to first rewrite the equation in a form that can be entered into the calculator. That way, once the problem is written in its calculator-friendly form, all you have to do is enter everything in.

Thirdly, focus on solving the easy problems first to gain insight into the math concepts being tested. Math tests and assignments are always based on specific concepts. When you're given a test, scan the page for the easiest problems and complete those first. These problems will likely provide insight into the strategies for solving more complicated problems. Take mental notes once you complete them, and then analyze the harder problems to see if they have those simpler problems hidden within them. 

If it's a word problem, turn those words into numbers. After all, word problems are just verbose, "wordy" ways of presenting a simpler mathematical problem to solve. When you come across one, start by giving it a quick scan to try to find the actual question being asked. It's almost always the last sentence in the word problem and it almost always ends with a question mark. Once you identify the question, underline it. 

Once you have an idea of the question, read the entire word problem carefully, circling or underlining any number values as you go. You can also cross out extraneous information along the way, such as any details that clearly won't play a role in the problem. After all, the best way to speed up your solving skills is to understand the problem first without getting misled by unnecessary information.

This strategy of crossing out unnecessary info and underlining or highlighting the valuable info is called "paraphrasing." It's essentially a way to simplify the given information to convert the word problem into its fundamental mathematical components. Maybe you're counting fruit, or maybe you're trying to catch a train on time. The scenario really doesn't matter. Whatever the word problem's context may be, it holds an underlying math problem that can be solved in pure numbers. 

Finally, ask yourself: What information do I need to answer the question? If arriving at the answer requires multiple steps, consider what problems need to be solved first and in what order. This is called creating "sub-questions," and jotting them down on paper should help speed up the process.