Problem Solving Questions: The Exact Approach That Works
- Mr Smyth
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Problem solving is where most students lose marks. Not because they’re bad at maths. But because they don’t know how to start.
These questions feel messy. Long. Confusing. So they get skipped. Avoided. Rushed.
That’s exactly why they matter.
Key Problems
You can’t understand what the question is asking. It feels like too much information at once.
You can’t break it down. So your brain freezes and you don’t know where to begin.
You avoid practising themBecause they’re uncomfortable and slow.
And avoidance keeps them hard.
Action 1: Translate the Question First
Before touching any maths, rewrite it in simple language.
Ask:
What do I know?
What do I need to find?
What information matters?
Physically write: I know…I need…
This turns chaos into structure.
Action 2: Identify the Topics Inside the Question
Every problem-solving question is just normal topics in disguise.
Look for:
Percentages
Ratio
Algebra
Area
Probability
Write them down: This question is testing…
Now it feels familiar, not scary.
Action 3: Break It Into Steps Before You Start
Don’t calculate yet.
Write:
First I will…
Then I will…
Finally I will…
Planning is half the marks.
Even if your answer is wrong, clear structure earns method marks.
Action 4: Use the 5 × 5 Method for Problem Solving
This is your training system.
Do:
The last 5 problem-solving questions
From 5 different papers
Each week
That’s 25 hard questions.
You will:
Get stuck
Improve
Get faster
Gain confidence
This is how top-end skills are built.
Action 5: Build a Problem-Solving Book
Have a section called: Problem Solving Training
For each question:
Paste or rewrite it
Write the full solution
Write what confused you
Write what you’d do differently next time
This is learning, not just answering.
Action 6: Accept That They Are Supposed to Feel Hard
If it feels difficult, you’re doing it right.
Problem solving is not about speed. It’s about thinking.
Discomfort = growth.
Final Thought
Problem solving isn’t a talent. It’s a trained skill.
Translate.Break down.Practise deliberately.
And it stops being scary.
Need more help? Book a free lesson revision class!
How about a full week?
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