This book addresses math reading skills and how these fundamental skills are related to problem solving. If one doesn’t know how to read their math book, they have limited success with applied (word) problems. It is necessary to read and interpret the language of mathematics in order to set up and solve an applied problem. One must read with understanding to make connections between the given information and what is to be found.
The first chapter is designed to compare math reading skills with ordinary reading skills. The ultimate goal is to use these reading skills to read mathematics with understanding.
Math reading skills are woven into the problem solving skills in Chapter 2. In addition to utilizing the math reading skills in Chapter 1, several problem solving techniques are illustrated. Problems are approached numerically and geometrically to provide insight into the algebraic approach.
Mathematical symbolism is a thing of beauty for those who understand how to interpret the symbols and apply the associated rules. For those who don’t, math symbolism can be a frustrating stumbling block. The next three chapters are devoted to helping students interpret math symbolism and correctly apply the associated rules. A theme for these chapters is to identify and eliminate common math errors related to math symbolism.
Thirty one teaching videos are used to address the objectives of this book.
objectives:
To teach students how to read a math textbook.
To help students become better problem solvers.
To help students eliminate common math errors.
