Problem Solving is easy with a visual aide.

This is an answer to a question posted about solving math story problems. The first thing is to be familiar with the definitions of your current context. Such as velocity: That is how fast an object is moving per unit of time. Does the definition make sense? And that velocity does not change unless the direction changes. So, the velocity of an object is the same or constant unless acted on an outside force or changes direction.

The next step, if the definition of a term you are dealing with does not make sense use your imagination. The object could be a car for instance. If you are going 60 miles Per Hour North. Your velocity is that you will travel 60 miles in one hour in a northernly direction. If you turn to go east or even change lanes at 60 miles an hour your velocity changes instantaneously. If that doesn't make sense then think of this. Let's say you are going on to the interstate at 60 miles an hour and your on ramp is a curve of 90 degrees, what is your current speed? velocity?

The answer lays in the definition. Notice that the term speed was not used in the definition of velocity. Therefore if your speed of 60 mph does not change then you are still traveling at a rate of 60 mph BUT since your direction is constantly changing you are undergoing a change in velocity instantaneously. Therefore, your velocity is either going up or down through out the entire turn. At any point in time your velocity is not constant but a certain value at that one point. Pick another point at the left or the right of that spot ("the spot can be anywhere along the curve") then your velocity has just changed to a new value.

Math story problems are solved basically by the following steps.

1. Understand the definitions you are using

2. Break up the "story" by sections, answer one thing at a time (understand one thing at a time). WRITE it Down.... you still get credit for showing work!

3. After answering all the questions with understanding and thought. Re read the question and be sure you answered the question (not your personal questions.).

4. Use imagination and write down all the equations you think you will use when solving story problems.

That is it in a nutshell. I wish the question was more specific as I could be of further assistance. It may be kind of "geek" like but think of story problems when you are outside of school. Make a joke out of it. Your education is so much easier if you can find humor in what you are learning.