How to Check Your Math Homework Answers

Solving math answers by using related statements is an easy and quick way to check your math answers.

For Addition
Let's say you have the addition problem Number 1 + Number 2 = Answer. To check the answer, you use the related subtration statement. Number 1 + Number 2 = Answer would become Answer + Number 2 = Number 1. Solve the subtraction problem and if the answer is the same on both sides, the problem is correct.

Example:
Check 6+5=11.
11-5=6
6=6

For Subtraction
To check the solution for a subtraction problem such as Number 1 - Number 2 = Answer, you use the related addition statement. So, Number 1 - Number 2 = Answer would become Answer + Number 2 = Number 1. Solve the addition problem and if the answer is the same on both sides of the equals sign, the problem is correct.

Example:
Check 12-6=6
6+6=12
12=12

For Multiplication
To check a multiplication problem, you use the related division statement. So, a multiplication problem such as Number 1 x Number 2 = Answerwould become Answer / Number 2 = Number 1. If both numbers match, your answer is correct.

Example:
Check 2x3=6
6/3=2
2=2

For Division
You've probably guessed by now, but to double-check a division problem, you use the related multiplication statement. So, Number 1 / Number 2 = Answer would become Answer x Number 2 = Number 1. Again, if the answers match, the answer is correct.

Example:
Check 8/2=4
4x2=8
8=8

When checking an algebraic expression, you substitute the number you found for the variable and plug it in. Don't forget about Order of Operations while checking the solution or else you may find your correct answer to be wrong. Order of Operations goes as followed, Parenthesis, Exponants, Multiplication/Division, and Addition/Subtraction.

Example:
8t-3=7t+3 where t is supposedly 6.
8t-3=7t+3 becomes 8(6)-3=7(6)+3
Solve. 48-3=42+3
45=45

So that means, t=6 is correct.

• Check the back of your math book. Sometimes, math textbooks will include answers to certain problems.
• Use a calculator. If you are using a graphing calculator, you can usually input the whole equation instead of multiple parts if it's a complex problem.
• Use a math help site. If you Google "Check Math Answers" a lot of different sites will pop up where you can input the problem and it'll check it for you.
• Ask a parent, friend, or teacher.

If the answer you found is not correct do the following.

• Do NOT get frustrated.
• Check the problem to make sure you re-wrote it correctly.
• Go through each step of the problem and make sure you wrote down the correct answers.
• If it's still not correct, ask a friend or parent to try to solve it and see if they get a different answer.
• If you still can't figure it out, ask your teacher. They'll be glad to help you.