Five Tricks to Excel at Math Puzzles

Math puzzles can be simple and straightforward, but they can also be extremely challenging. For some puzzles, it is easy to figure out the strategy to employ. For others, you may not know how to even start solving the problem. Some students use the “rules of thumbs” or heuristics, but these approaches do not guarantee a definitive right answer. Indeed, math puzzles require a lot of brain power and wit. They might take a long time and you might end up with no positive results. Here are five tricks to help you solve math puzzles quicker and with less trouble:

1. Organize the data and information

The first step towards solving a mathematics puzzle should be to organize the data you have at hand. Making a table or a list are ways to better sort out useful information. These allow you to examine your options carefully without being distracted by unnecessary information. This also ensures that you do not miss out on relevant data. Lists and tables often reveal patterns that are otherwise easily missed.

2. Use the right representation

Once you start working on a puzzle, it is pretty easy to quickly turn it into a more difficult one. In fact, once you mistakenly use the wrong representation, the problem becomes almost impossible to solve. There are certain ways to change the representation into a more useful one. Coming up with a picture, for example, allows you to have a different perspective of the problem. It also introduces a visual appeal that may help you gain a better understanding.

3. Simplify the mathematics problem

One of the best ways to simplify the task is to first handle simpler tasks. That is, you might be unable to solve the given puzzle, but you can definitely solve similar puzzles that are simpler in some way. For instance, a puzzle might be similar in nature but it might use numbers that are simpler. Once you solve a few of these simpler puzzles, you will gain more confidence and a better understanding of the approach that is required to deal with the more complex puzzle.

4. Logical reasoning is your best bet

Many students would be able to solve math puzzles more easily if only they trusted their logical reasoning. As students, we all have our doubts. When it comes to complex mathematics puzzles, it is easier to simply comply with instructions or follow the trend rather than rely on our own brain power. However, logical reasoning is beneficial in more than one way. It is extremely useful in solving problems and eliminating wrong approaches. It will also help you reach a correct conclusion in less time.

5. Use the “guess and check” strategy

This strategy is used on more than just mathematical problems. In fact, it is even used in our daily routine. It is the quickest way to come up with an answer. Nevertheless, this strategy works best if the number of possibilities is small. In cases where the possibilities are many, the strategy may still work provided intelligent guesses are made. When solving a mathematics puzzle, take a guess at all the possible approaches and check the one which seems best suited to the situation.

Conclusion

These tricks do not guarantee you will be able to solve each and every math puzzle in no time. However, they do make sure you do not waste unnecessary time trying to figure out how to even start. Use these strategies and tips alongside a lot of practice.

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