I do hate sums. There is no greater mistake than to call arithmetic an exact science. There are hidden laws of number which it requires a mind like mine to perceive. For instance, if you add a sum from the bottom up, and then again from the top down, the result is always different
– Mrs. La Touche

Mathematics is a unique subject that teaches us problem solving skills that we build upon and use in our daily life without even realizing it. Math is a subject that teaches us to think logically, to break down a bigger problem into smaller, more manageable problems. It teaches us that there may be only one correct answer, but there are several ways to reach that answer. We understand the importance of problem solving skills and use these skills all the time when solving problems in our personal or professional life – as an adult.

However, as a school student, we generally don’t look at Math as teaching us anything but how to solve some problems using formulae that we aren’t even sure we’ll ever use in our life!

Our online math tutors at have cumulative experience of over 100 years and they say that this is not true. Math problem solving skills are easy to develop with positive attitude, good teacher, and lots of practice.

Some of the best ways to develop these skills are:

• Talk your way through the problem. Sit down with your parents, friends, teacher, or tutor and talk through the problem. Understand what the question is asking you to find out and what facts have been given to help you reach the answer.
• Math problems are supposed to get you thinking. You need to practice thinking and this practice takes some time. Just remember not to give up when it doesn’t come easily. Hang in there and keep thinking.
• Remember, there are multiple ways to do a problem. Your method may not be the shortest one now, but it is one of the methods if you can reach the correct answer. Everyone develops their own way of solving such problems. With practice, you have to find our own.
• Have a positive attitude. Let go of math anxiety. You know that math problems are not subjective, there is always a right answer and you just have to find it. Instead of thinking that you don’t get it, think that you will continue to go one step further at a time until you reach a path that leads you to the solution.

Get external help from a tutor initially if you have to – to understand the underlying concepts. If your concepts aren’t clear, you will struggle to solve math problems. But once you basic understanding is clear, you can work your way through any problem. Companies such as tutorNEXT provide one-on-one tutoring to students to enhance their understanding of mathematical concepts and provide practice in solving a variety of math problems.

You will find your confidence building when you find that you can actually think through the problem one step at a time. You have the answer and you are allowed to take time to get there.

Many people assume that there is a magic formula to building math problem solving skills, where in reality there is none. It is just a combination of understanding basic concepts, thinking through the problems, and practicing enough to become efficient in solving such mathematical problems.