Product Description
Word Problems? NO PROBLEM!

Now anyone, even those whose palms begin to sweat at the first sight of math problems that begin "A train left the station going 65 mph..." can overcome anxiety and learn to solve word problems. In Math Word Problems Demystified, experienced math instructor Allan G. Bluman provides an effective, tension-free, approach to conquering the word problems on the SATs and many other standardized tests, in algebra, and in other mathematics and science classes.

With Math Word Problems Demystified, you master the subject one simple step at a time -- at your own speed. This unique self-teaching guide offers practice problems, a quiz at the end of each chapter to pinpoint weaknesses, and a 40 question final exam to reinforce the methods and material presented in the book.

If you want to master math word problems, here's the self-teaching course that will get it done. Get ready to --

-Transform word problems into solvable equations
-Master a 4-step strategy that empowers you to understand and solve the most common word problems
-Conquer word problems involving distances, mixtures, levers, finance, work, speed, percents, coins, ages, and more
-Obtain the right answers using formulas and proportions
-Score better on science and math exams as well as standardized tests

A fast, effective, and fun way to master word problems, Math Word Problems Demystified is the perfect shortcut to gain the confidence and develop the necessary skills to solve these tough test questions ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A steady stream of "Aha!" moments
I have always struggled with word problems. Due to changing schools a couple times and different curriculum in each, I ended up taking Algebra I three times (needless to say, by year three, I was completely bored!), then later took Algebra II and College Algebra. Nevertheless, on the ACT I did rather poorly on the algebra section because it is made mostly of word problems. Same on the GRE. So before starting another degree program that is heavier in math than my first, I picked up this book to help me learn the concepts with which I struggle.

Somehow, in all those classes (plus one more in college), I just never got it, but with this book, I finally did. I actually began to enjoy them! This book explains things very simply and gives just the right amount of problems to help you practice. The explanations on how to solve the problems and on how the practice problems are solved are very easy to understand as well.

All I can say is THANK YOU, Bluman! I wish I had picked this up 5 years ago! :)

Great anticipation
I went through Allan G. Bluman's Pre-Algebra Demystified book and found it to be absolutely enjoyable.It is so clear and so thorough that the material just seeps into your head.He seems to have perfect pitch as a teacher.I am ordering his Math Word Problems Demystified book on the strength of how he wrote the Pre-Algebra book.I can't imagine that it will disappoint, thus the 5 star rating.

Awesome purchase!!
I highly recommend this book as a "must have" for any entrance exam refresher. Very easy to understand how to break apart the 10 different type of word problems.

Absolutely wonderful book
Get this for your 6th grade student.It reviews math they have had and teaches how to figure out word problems.It has great explanations and examples. It has practice problems and then quizzes at the end of a unit.Answers are either right after the problems or at the back of the book.Parents can use this to help kids, and math teachers can certainly use it for probably 5th through 8th or 9th grades.

Math Word Problems Demystified
This book is great. It breaks the various word problems into categories and then develops a plan to help solve that category. This book is easy to understand and has helped me tutor my children in this area. Most people roll their eyes at math word problems this book has changed that. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
This test-prep book from the experts at LearningExpress, based on real-world tests, presents methods and practice for quickly and dramatically improving math word problem skills. Structured in a multiple-choice format with numerous tips, 501 Math Word Problems emphasizes a self-paced approach that moves from basic questions to more difficult ones. Ideal for anyone taking the PSAT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or other standardized tests, the book covers such topics as basic math, fractions, decimals, percents, algebra, and geometry. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Essential
This book is a great collection of math problems for those in need of help boosting their math understanding, each problem has a detailed explanation in finding the answer.If you have children in middle school or high school this is a great book for them to work with year round outside of classes!

Good practice for tests, math competition
Very solid book, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.Good variety in the problems, and clear, concise explanations in the answer key.I bought others in the series after getting this one.

Practical Math
A very well written approach to illustrating the practical aspects of not just mathematics, but the various components of math, i.e. fractions, decimals, algebra and geometry.I will use it for my basic math and environmental chemistry classes.

Great Practice Exercise Book
This is an excellent book from which you can get large amount ideas from which I can derive new problems for students in my math classes.

Good Math Word Problem Review
Overall I think this is a quality product, that packs a lot of bang for its price of $12.95. I'm using it to prepare for the GRE later this year, and have found it to be great at stoking your learned math skills as well as introducing new concepts. Very straightforward, comes with the answers to each question answered and explained in depth at the end of the section. It also comes with a free Online practice center which you can use as many times as you want with similiar problems in the book. The online site offers free detailed answer explanations, diagnostic reports of where you stand, and instant scoring. It covers the basic math skills up through Algebra and Geometry most colleges and graduates schools are looking for. I wouldn't suggest it for a math intensive review for Engineering or Physics, much too simple for that, geared more for the social sciences. The only drawback is that I have found some answer errors in the text, so beware, and double check the answers by working through each problem. ... Read more

Product Description
Dozens of Quick, Daily Exercises and Strategies That Give Kids the Tools They Need to Tackle and Triumph Over Math Word Problems
Great for Test Preparation!
Think-aloud math is a simple yet powerful approach to word problems. Each problem reveals information in three parts so that kids stop, think, and predict at each step. Present problems as group lessons or independent activities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

great for reading and math
My son has now been 2 months into 4th grade. He likes math and is good at it, but is very weak in reading. I was pleased to see how he got interested in this workbook and how it helped him with his reading now that there is a "math" purpose behind it. The difficulty is progressive and fun and there is some repetition that makes the kid get the concept and feel confident before moving forwards. He is much less afraid of reading math problems now. Also, he now understands the concept and structure of a word problem. They are more elaborated that the few ones he gets in the classroom. I also think it prepares him much better for his annual test time and also for future wrestling with math problems! so far, great!

A Must-Have
I have a learning center.I use this book for grades 4 or 5, up through high school, with mainstream students and with gifted.The problems are not your run of the mill math problems (and I am a retired math teacher who has seen many a math book).These problems require careful reading and reasoning, yet use very basic skills.Each set of two pages uses a different theme, for example, passage of time, and measurements.

You really can't go wrong with this book.

Very good for added practice.
Scholastic didn't re-invent the wheel with this one but it is a good add-on.The book states a level of 4th to 6th grade although it might be narrower or wider depending on your child.Probably 4th grade is a minimum for most children and because word problems tend to be difficult I can see this being helpful for some children into 7th grade.Frankly, I'm not a math-whiz...the book is billed as a think-aloud book and I did a bit of head scratching (the answers are in the back)

The problems are written out so that the stages are spaced.Nice visual clue to pause and think about the math process going on.The book takes advantage of several different fonts to suggest alternate thought processes, but I think they could be using more as I have seen them do in other books.

The book is set up so that children can do one a day and it isnt overwhelming, that is nice.The cartoons are very cute.There is a certain amount of implied knowledge with this book.Its more a book of exercises than explanations.That isnt a problem, just a caution.

I wish the problems had more *sparkle*...more fun and punch to them.Instead of wondering how many waffles earnie ate all week based on his daily waffle consumption...wouldnt it have been more fun to ponder the mess in Earnie's room (complete with a cartoon of Earnie's drowning in a pile of clutter)?Or how many times Earnie's mom could possibly serve broccoli this week (with a cartoon of Earnie at the table as his cheerful mom puts down yet another gargantuan plate of roughage?)Or even how many times Earnie's baby sister can annoy him (with a picture of Earnie's adorable yet annoying baby sister?)I don't know, maybe its me....but teaching my son...or maybe it's getting him willing to learn, has always been easier when he is having alot of fun.And the more laughs, the more it sinks in.

This book is quite good.It will give good solid problems to solve daily, I just wish it were a bit more to look forward too ... Read more

Product Description
This revised title helps middle school and high school students see patterns in math word problems, and then make the correct computations to solve them. In the process, they work with decimals and fractions, compare rates, and work with proportions and percents. The author presents everyday real-world examples which use problem-solving strategies that align with those of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The examples are presented in easy to understand language and formats that help guide students through problems in statistics, probability, and even a few fundamentals of algebra. Problems are presented in short-answer and open-response form to match those in many state assessment tests. Titles in BarronÂ's Painless Series are textbook supplements especially designed to remove the painful aspects of classroom instruction and transform learning into fun. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Truly Painless
Painless Math Word Problems offers a strategy to get children to read and understand word problems. It is so very simple and logical that no child can say, "I don't get it." Can't wait to use this strategy on my Math students. - L. Hereld

I actually enjoyed working all of the problems!
I used this to review for a Middle School Math exam for teachers.I'm very glad I did.The problems aren't too easy, or too hard.I was able to work through all of the problems quickly, and upon completion I felt much more confident about my ability to pass the exam.While taking the exam, I recognized many of the same types of problems, and I was able to work them quickly and, I think, correctly.Although helpful, it was just one of the books I used to prepare.I wish I had also used Painless Algebra and Painless Geometry.I agree with another reviewer, Painless Algebra II, Painless Trig and Painless Calculus would also be helpful.

Forget kids for a minute, adult math phobia is
one of the biggest challenges, particularly for those of us in the Great Boomer Glut who are at least 15 years from retirement.

This book is phenomenal for middle and older adults who want to tune up their math chops after many years of neglect.

It's funny how many people in the world WILL NOT actually TEACH math to you or anyone else.Sometimes I think the whole ridiculous "tough love" mentality started in someone's math department.

Marcie is a magnificent exception.

Marcie's two best attributes in this book are: 1) She is more than happy to break everything down into easy-to-latch-onto baby steps; and 2) Her whole focus is INCLUSIVE and supportive.

Working through this book, I've been pleasantly surprised to discover how much I remember and can still do.More importantly, this book seems to have identified exactly where my cut-off point is -- and then extended it substantially further.

For example, I've known about the Pythagorean Theorem for years but this is the first time I ever saw the picture of a triangle with squares coming off each of the 3 sides.Wow!Suddenly I see it in a whole different light.And then using it to measure "crow flying" distance between points only reachable via L shaped road patterns.

Now, I'm ready to jump into Painless Algebra, more confident than I have been about math in a long time.

My only regret is that, to my knowledge, there is no Painless Trigonometry, Painless Calculus or Painless Statistics.Barrons should create these so I can buy them.

Thanks, Marcie.Thanks, Barrons.

The greatest math book
This is a really fun book to read. The peoples names are really funny and it is very challenging to do the word problems. I am having so much fun giving the problems to my friends and family to see if they can do them. I know that I will do so much better in school because I have been practicing my word problems. I would suggest that this book should be used in school too. ... Read more

Product Description
Everyone remembers story problems, nowadays called "word problems," from elementary school and middle school math. Solving word problems is the latest way to help students who struggle learning basic math skills, as well as to introduce more complicated math concepts. Math Word Problems For Dummies shows students and adult learners how to solve word problems with a method that works for any word problem at any level. Math-wary readers will use basic math to work through problems, focusing on elementary-level skills before moving on to algebra and geometry.Mary Jane Sterling (Peoria, IL), a teacher for more than 25 years, is the author of numerous For Dummies books, including Algebra For Dummies (0-7645-5325-9) and Trigonometry For Dummies (0-7645-6903-1). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Comprehensive Treatment of Word Problem
This is a great book for assisting a teacher with developing problem solving in general.Great ideas; good examples.Mary Jane Sterling is an excellent writer ... Read more

Product Description
The key to conquering the most-feared type of standardized test questions

This is an indispensable resource for the parents of the more than 16 million school children nationwide who, each year, take standardized assessment tests of basic math and language skills. It focuses on the category of test question that students dread the most and in which they do least well: mathematics word problems. Written by a national expert in mathematics education, it takes the fear and frustration out of mathematics word problems by providing a simple, step-by-step approach that emphasizes the mechanics and grammar of problem solving and that is guaranteed to make solving all types of math word problems a breeze, even for math-phobic students.

• Covers all types of mathematics word problems found on standardized tests and identifies the value of each type on the tests
• Features dozens of examples and practice problems, with step-by-step solutions and key mathematics concepts clearly explained
• Includes a 50-question drill using problems drawn from actual tests, with answers provided at the back of the book

Product Description
These ""mad lib""-style worksheets are instant math motivators! Each hilarious fill-in story gives kids a fun way to practice solving word problems. Skill topics correlate to the NCTM standards and include one-, two-, three, and four-digit multiplication and division; multiplication with landmark numbers such as 10 and 100; multiplication with money, decimals, and fractions; division with and without remainders; and division with money and simple fractions. Perfect for partner and small-group learning, day starters, or homework. For use with Grades 4–6. ... Read more

Product Description
Getting a top score on the quantitative section of the SAT, GRE, and GMAT requires far more than plugging numbers into formulas. Students must apply their mathematical skills to convoluted word problems that test their ability to read clearly, interpret quickly, and determine the optimal plan of attack. Most importantly, they must be ready for the typical tricks and traps that the test writers use over and over again to snag unsuspecting students. This publication presents the hardest, trickiest, most convoluted word problems you are likely to see on the SAT, GRE, and GMAT - and shows you how to tackle each one quickly and confidently. We will test your knowledge (and speed) for every topic from addition to probability, including all of those annoying word problems involving mixtures, age, rates, and geometry. Use this book to fill in the gaps- and to find creative ways to solve "killer" problems without breaking a sweat. To ace a standardized test, you will need to conquer math word problems. If you want a top score, this book can help. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great for those struggling with Word Problems but could be improved
3.5 Stars. It's always hard to figure out what to give. I admire author's initiative to publish this book - it will be absolutely indispensable for those who struggle with word problems (this is the only word-problem dedicated resource really). My rating, however, is for those who find themselves in the mainstream test-taker category. Here are my reasons for 3.5 stars:

STRENGTHS:
- Fresh 457 GMAT Questions. Fantastic if you exhausted other resources (311 easy/medium and 146 hard questions)
- Great for improving speed and learning question patterns (you can save time by perfecting your skills)
- Highlight of traps
- Auther is knowledgeable about GMAT
- Questions are split into medium/hard questions
- Some fun questions such as "age" questions

WEAKNESSES:
- Some questions could be solved much faster than suggested (backsolving or picking numbers for example)
- Most questions are not VERY hard
- Fractions and math formulas are in a in-line format
- Explanations tend to be on the shorter side
- Few Group questions such as Both/Neither (these are quite common)
- Could use more combinations questions since many people struggle with these


Disagree with my review of have questions? Post a comment - I reply to comments fast!
BB, Founder of GMAT Club
GMAT 750
... Read more

Product Description
This is a detailed-scripted program using Schema-Based Instruction (SBI), designed as a framework for instructional implementation. It is primarily for school practitioners (e.g., special and general education teachers, school psychologists, etc.) teaching critical word problem solving skills to students with disabilities, grades 1-8. ... Read more

Product Description
Get ready to master the unknown number! Master Math: Solving Word Problems is a comprehensive reference guide that explains and clarifies the difficulties people often face with word problems, in a simple, easy-to-follow style and format. Beginning with the most basic types of word problems and progressing through to the more advanced, Solving Word Problems shows you how to focus first on the words in the problem, and then on the numbers, breaking down the problem into smaller segments to help you work through. Using familiar situations from everyday life such as percents and discounts, interest, motion and speed, and probability, each type of word problem is taught using step-by-step procedures, solutions, and examples. And end-of-chapter problems will help you practice what you learned. A complete table of contents and a comprehensive index enable you to quickly find specific topics, and the approachable style and format facilitate an understanding of what can be intimidating and tricky skills. Perfect for both students who need some extra help or rusty professionals who want to brush up, Solving Word Problems will help you master everything from simple equations and percents to statistics and probability! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good book from a great series
First off, there's nothing impressive in here for anyone who has a modicum of reading comprehension.Interpreting word problems requires understanding the subject matter and what in the hell you're reading.For example, early in the book they cover phrases such as "At Least" and "At Most" with relation to inequalities.When someone says "More Than" you should immediately recognize this as "Greater than" or '>'; when someone says "At Least" you should understand English well enough to know that this does not mean it has to be bigger, and thus means "Greater Than or Equal To" or ">=" (or the single character sign).

Too bad most adults in the US have a 5th grade reading level.

I would strongly recommend studying reading comprehension instead of buying this book; however, since you don't have that kind of time if you're looking at this book at all, that's not really an option.The material presented in this book covers specific reading comprehension problems with regard to math problems extremely well, however, and is the next best thing.

In short, this book will improve your ability to deal with word problems, and hopefully your grasp on the English Language in general.Use it as a stop gap to get you through your math classes, and then go learn to understand whatever it is you're reading.

Highly recommended for either general or school libraries
Master Math: Solving Word Problems provides a comprehensive reference guide that explains word problems and offers alternatives for understanding them. From the most common types of word problems to more advanced issues, Master Math: Solving Word Problems shows how to focus on the words in a problem, breaking them down into smaller segments and choosing the right math tools to solve them. Highly recommended for either general or school libraries.

Very good book!
I got this book on time and it is very good book for my kids to improve their math abilities. ... Read more

Product Description
Help build students' problem-solving skills with super strategies for solving any math word problem. Each strategy is clearly explained and comes with practice problems that utilize the specific strategy. Students can then hone their newly acquired skill with 100 word problems on grade-specific math concepts. Great for meeting the NCTM standards! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Math Word Problems Reinforcement
This is new as it described. I have used the series before, so I have confident in it.Now I have all the elementary grades. Great! ... Read more

Product Description
Help build students' problem-solving skills with super strategies for solving any math word problem. Each strategy is clearly explained and comes with practice problems that utilize the specific strategy. Students can then hone their newly acquired skill with 100 word problems on grade-specific math concepts. Great for meeting the NCTM standards! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Math Word Problems Reinforcement
This is new as it described. I have used the series before, so I have confident in it.Now I have all the elementary grades. Great! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent purchase!
The condition of the workbook is impeccable.Prompt service and delivery.Thank you, looking forward to doing business with you again.

Sincerely,


lulyluvsazh ... Read more

Product Description
Help build students' problem-solving skills with super strategies for solving any math word problem. Each strategy is clearly explained and comes with practice problems that utilize the specific strategy. Students can then hone their newly acquired skill with 100 word problems on grade-specific math concepts. Great for meeting the NCTM standards! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Math Word Problems Reinforcement
This is new as it described. I have used the series before, so I have confident in it.Now I have all the elementary grades. Great! ... Read more

Product Description
Help build students' problem-solving skills with super strategies for solving any math word problem. Each strategy is clearly explained and comes with practice problems that utilize the specific strategy. Students can then hone their newly acquired skill with 100 word problems on grade-specific math concepts. Great for meeting the NCTM standards! ... Read more

Product Description
Choose word problems relevant to your teaching from a selection of over 300 thought-provoking problems. Word problems is structured so that you can select problems relevant to your work for any week of the year. * Ideal support for this key aspect of the Framework. * A weekly structure which allows easy links to the MNS Medium Term Plans. * Review topics to provide assessment opportunities for each half term. ... Read more

Product Description
Math Word Problems makes conquering one of the most difficult academic tasks easier by presenting a small part of the problem-solving process and building upon it each day. Filled with proven strategies to improve performance, this book includes:A pretest to help students determine where to focus their effortsContent review, detailed lessons, and practice exercises modeled on the skills examined by standardized tests;Valuable memory hooks and shortcuts that help students retain what they are learning;A post-test to reveal improvement;Glossary for subject specific vocabulary ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Summer home school
I do summer home school with my kids every summer and we are using all the Learning Express 15 Minutes a Day Junior Skill Builders books. They are great short and to the point. The books have 30 chapters each and we do about 2 chapters at a time. The kids actually like the books. I have 5 students using them a 5th grader, 2 6th graders, 1 7th grader and 1 9th grader. Great books I love them. ... Read more

Product Description
12 Reproducible Mini-Books Filled With Engaging Word Problems That Kids Complete to Build Essential Math Skills
Motivates math learners!
Kids will love solving word problems in their own irresistible math mini-books! Each mini-book focuses on an essential skill such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, time, and money. On every page, kids will find an engaging, illustrated word problem and space to show their work. Problems are specially designed for this age group and provide the support kids need to work independently. ... Read more