Author: Mrs Surbhi Bhandari, Educator
Mathematics is not just about numbers, it’s about direction. As a Math teacher, I often see students struggle with proving questions, especially in algebra and geometry. The main reason? They jump into finding solutions without understanding where they are and where they have to go.
Imagine leaving your home without knowing your destination. You may keep walking, but will you ever be able to reach anywhere? The same logic applies to solving math problems.
Before attempting any steps, students must clearly identify two things:
1. What is given (our starting point), and
2. What needs to be proved or found (our destination).
Once this path is visualized, the process becomes purposeful. Every step taken is like a turn on a road — guided, thoughtful, and inching closer to the goal. Random manipulations or memorized steps without clarity often lead to frustration.
Here are a few tips to make your math journey smoother:
Pause and write down the ‘Given’ and the ‘To Prove’ clearly.
Ask yourself: What tools (formulae, theorems, identities) do I have?
Check each step — is it taking me closer to the final proof?
Doing math effectively is all about thinking like a traveller who travels with a map in hand. Know your route, plan your moves, and enjoy the journey of logical discovery.
Happy problem solving!
