Page 13 - How To Solve Word Problems In Calculus

general procedures, which can be applied to all problems
within a specific category.
Reading a word problem is not like reading a novel.
Every word is important and must be clearly understood if
you are to successfully arrive at the solution. Feel free to use
a dictionary, if necessary, to clarify the meaning of seemingly
vague words. Use your math book to clarify the meaning of
any technical words used in the problem. Read and re-read
the problem until it is absolutely clear what you are given and
what it is you are looking for. Then, and only then, should
you begin the solution.
This book contains many worked out examples. However,
you must understand that there is a big difference between
viewing the solution of a problem and solving the problem by
yourself. When you read an example in this book, you may
be able to follow every step but you should not be misled
into thinking that you completely understand the solution.
Learning to solve problems is like learning to play a musical
instrument. You may think a musical selection is simple while
watching your teacher play it with ease, but it is not until you
attempt the piece yourself that you begin to see what technical
difficulties actually lie within the music.
One suggestion, which you might find useful, is to pick
a problem from this book and read the solution. When you
think you understand what you have read, cover the solution
and attempt the problem yourself. Most likely you will find
that you have some difficulty. If you have trouble sneak a
peek at the solution to determine the step that caused you
difficulty. Then cover the solution again and continue. Repeat
this process every time you get stuck.
When you finally get to the end, take a deep breath and
then attempt the problem again from the beginning. You have
truly mastered the problem only if you can go from the begin-
ning to the end by yourself without looking at the authors’
solution.
Solving word problems is more of an art than a science.
Like all artistic endeavors, perfection takes practice, patience,
and perseverance. You may be frustrated at first but if you
follow the guidelines described in this book, you will master
this all-important skill.

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