Math Homework: Problem Solved
© 2007 Resources for Educators
by Rod Wittmer
March 04, 2008
You don't have to know how to do algebra or geometry to help
your high schooler with math homework. Just asking these four
questions can point her in the right direction:
1. What is the problem asking? For example, if she has to
compare baseball batting averages, she needs to know how to
calculate them (add the number of hits and divide by the number of
times at bat).
2. Are there similar problems in the textbook? If your child
follows a sample quadratic equation one step at a time, she may be
able to solve others on her own more easily.
3. Does she know any other math that may help? For instance,
if your teenager can find the radius of a circle, she can figure
out the diameter (multiply the radius by 2).
4. Where can she get help? Suggest that she get phone numbers
or e-mail addresses for two or three classmates she can call if she
gets stuck. Or, she can consult math Web sites such as
http://mathforum.org/dr.math/ and www.coolmath.com.
