2. Solving math problems is easier when you have the right
resources.
But, what are the right resources?
The answer depends on WHO you are, WHAT you are
trying to accomplish, and WHY.
Are you looking for specific information which will be
used one time; or comprehensive, in-depth
understanding which you will use in the future?
3. For example, if you are a student looking for an
immediate answer to a narrowly tailored problem, you
need one type of resource. If you are a parent trying to
ensure your child has a thorough understanding of the
concepts being covered in school, you probably need
another type of resource.
OR, if you are simply preparing meal and need to know
how to convert measurements from table spoons to
millilitres, you need still another kind of resource. If
you are trying to calculate the interest payments on a
new car loan, you probably need something else.
4. In addition to these reasons, some people
math problem solving for their own enjoyment - and for no
other reason. These people like brain teasers, puzzles,
and complex problems to solve. It relaxes them. They
probably need another type of resource.
The list of possibilities is endless, and so are the answers.
This leads us to another type of question: HOW
ACCURATE does the information need to be? Can the
final answer be rounded? Is a rule of thumb answer
adequate for your needs, or do you need an answer with
10 decimal places?
5. HOW SPECIFIC does the information need to be? Are
you looking for general information, or a specific
solution to a particular problem?
HOW MUCH TIME can you devote to reading, listening
to, or viewing the answer to your questions? If you
cannot spend much time trying to understand the
resource you are using, you need something that gets
right to the point.
HOW SHOULD THE INFORMATION BE DELIVERED?
Is a verbal explanation OK - or do you need a formal
written presentation, or a video?
6. Also ask yourself: WHEN do you need the information
you are seeking? Immediately? Within the next week?
Within the next 6 months? On a continuous, on-going
basis?
WHERE do you want the information? On a piece of
paper? In your computer? On video?
Assuming you have already answered these questions in
your own mind, what's the next step? Look at the kind
of resources that are available. Match them to your
needs.
7. Math resources come in many forms. They are available
in textbooks, from Tutors, from school teachers, in
videos, in games, in notes you have taken, in calculators,
on the internet through a myriad of software links,
through practice worksheets, through tests you can give
yourself, through manipulatives, through graphing
software and equation solvers, math camps, interactive
media of all kinds.
