Since the very beginning of the Internet, people have been eating themselves over who will solve a viral illusion or a riddle. The internet made it possible for us to share math problems, enticing others to get into the hype of solving them. Right now, you can probably find dozens of maddening problems that are viral. To solve them, you need a great set of math skills and some practice.
The math problems were created to gather people together to solve the world’s math questions. However, the complexity they carry has led to some big events in the past. For example, the problem 8÷2(2+2) caused a big debate and somewhat of a war in the office of Popular Mechanics.
If you are a math lover and love these little games, this is the perfect year for you to join the many people trying to solve them. This year we’ve seen a higher math problem number than ever. Even the interest has grown, causing frustration and anticipation from people on a global level.
Some seem to solve math problems naturally, but there are certain seemingly simple equations like the one above that tortures people for years. In order to learn how to solve mathematical problem, you should follow the tips below:
1. Focus on the Task Only
This should be your first approach. Leave everything aside and focus on understanding the math problem. What does it require? What mathematics rules apply there?
Don’t do other math except for this. If you have homework, hire a service and choose an option “write my essay online” and don’t get worry. Your only focus should be the math problem only.
2. Look at It from a Different Angle
Your first instinct might not be the right one. After all, this wouldn’t be a math problem if it was so simple. So, start considering the alternatives. Look at it from different angles.
3. Get Help
No one says that you should do this on your own. Sure, the fame is bigger if you do, but two minds can make great things when joined together. Find someone that shares the same interests with you. You should also look for people with a different perspective or ways of doing math. Joined together, you might be able to resolve the biggest math problems that exist.
4. Consider the Impossible
If none of your techniques and ideas work, use the one you’d think of last. Use something that almost never applies to that case, things that are so basic, an advanced mathematician wouldn’t even think of them. The answer to these problems is often so simple, it becomes silly that people can’t figure it out.
5. Stop Thinking
Just do your math without thinking about anything else. Don’t bother with the organization, the place where you do your math, or the things you use to calculate it. Your idea might be the right one and once you have it, it won’t really matter where you wrote it or how.
6. Use a Board
Have all your ideas in front of you when you attempt to solve a math problem, even the ones that make no sense or turned out to be a disaster. With all them in front of you, you might be able to come up with the right idea and combination. Visualization is an excellent trick.
7. Don’t Eliminate Anything
On your board, there’ll be mistakes and things that simply don’t fit. Some of your ideas won’t result in anything, but don’t toss them aside until you’re finished with the math problem. You never know what might inspire you.
8. Organize your Thoughts
Math is a science that requires a lot of organization. Be organized. All that data and calculations shouldn’t be mixed and mangled on a piece of paper, several notepads, or the board.
Yes, it’s good to get it all out while you’re inspired and motivated. However, if you get stuck, take the time to organize all you have so far.
9. Redo Your Math
Many times, we come up with the right idea, but make a slight, unintentional mistake that makes it all wrong. Don’t let this happen to you. To be sure that nothing you did so far works, redo your math. A simple mistake in math can make all the difference between a solved and unresolved problem.
10. Take Time Off
This is somewhat contradictory to my first advice, but it is all about the timing. If none of the things above have worked for you, it is time for you to step away from the issue and occupy your brain with something else. Then, get back to the problem with a new energy and perspective.
Conclusion
Math tricks have always tickled the minds of those who love this science. It’s engaging, interesting, and most importantly – highly satisfying if you end up being the one to solve it. So, do your best and use all your knowledge. A little persistence can go a long way.
Author’s Bio: Jeremy Raynolds is a mathematics professor at a college in the US. In his spare time, he focuses on creating coursework and exercises for students, as well as working on math problems that trouble the academic world. If you want to learn about his progress and accomplishments, follow him on Twitter.