How to Solve Math Problems with a Flowchart

Technological advances are gaining prominence in everyday life. The use of computers, smartphones and other gadgets is not only widespread, it’s become fundamental for life in society, including day to day activities such as math problems.

Many services in areas which are considered essential, such as banks, transport and restaurants, rely heavily on digital technologies.

As a result, the market has transformed, and has begun to demand certain kinds of expertise, such as problem-solving skills, creativity, communication, and logical thinking. The educational sector is equally affected, as it shapes citizens and workers that use ever more advanced tech.

Faced with the inevitable transformation of the educational sector, math acts as a fundamental building block.

Coming up with the correct answer to a math problem is a challenge for many people, who may not know where to begin. Flowcharts provide a framework for this process, offering a step-by-step approach for tackling the problem — and a flowchart maker can make this process easier.

What is a flowchart?

The flowchart is a graphic representation of the sequence of steps in a process, which allows an analysis of limits and borders, providing a global view of the product’s journey.

Traditionally, the three modes of learning are: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Everyone assimilates one mode or other better, but reconciling the three optimizes the learning process even more — and this is where a flowchart comes in.

The flowchart is made up of geometric symbols that represent the materials, services or resources involved in each process, and the directions to be followed so that the end result — either a product or service — can be achieved.

The main function of the flowchart is to map and measure processes in a segmented, understandable and simple fashion. Using symbols and drawings, the flowchart aims to represent each stage of the process, making it an extremely important tool.

For example, flowcharts can have different levels of details, as required. This ranges from a high-level overview of an entire system to a detailed diagram of a component process in a larger system.

Fundamentally, flowcharts show the structure of the process or system, tracking the flow of information and working with it, while highlighting the main processing and decision points.

In general, flowcharts provide the following main benefits:

• Ease of visualization and execution of process activities;
• Identification of problems such as delays, critical points in the process and activities that can be eliminated in the process;
• Understanding of how the process operates, step by step, allowing for the elimination of disconnected activities;
• Establishment of a standard process, determining review points, analysis and monitoring of process quality.

Understand flowcharts and their shapes

The shapes containing data in a flowchart represent different types of content. The start and end points are represented by ovals, while rectangles symbolize processes or actions yet to be performed, such as operations or calculations.

Diamonds typically represent decisions with a yes or no answer that change the direction of travel through the flowchart. Arrows connect these shapes to help users move through the steps in the correct order.

Practice using flowcharts with a process that students are familiar with, such as a routine you use in class. You can put each step on the flowchart and have students move through it, to practice going in order.

Components for solving math problems with a flowchart

The flowchart is a graphical representation that aims to configure the solution of a problem so that the finite sequence of steps is precisely and fully described.

Indeed, flowcharts are nothing more than a series of instructions for carrying out tasks, but they are endowed with rules, facilitating understanding by anyone with a minimum of knowledge on the subject.

As we saw earlier, geometric shapes are used to indicate the steps and actions and directional arrows to denote the direction or flow towards the solution.

To solve a math problem, you first need to read the problem and understand its characteristics and processes. This step is essential for proceeding towards the correct result. Then identify the question, and reread it as many times as necessary.

Then, collect all the necessary data and numbers to make the correct calculation, and define the best resolution strategy, considering the issue as a whole.

In this way, you can analyze the result and check whether the value is correct or not. If it is, the math problem is solved. If the result is incorrect, repeat the process until you find a way to conclude the process correctly.

When introducing flowcharts to solve math problems, you’ll need to walk students through the necessary steps. Break it down so your class can understand how the flowchart works in relation to math. You may wish to start with a simple problem to practice working through the process, letting your students understand what you are doing.

Ideally, you should practice problem-solving using flowcharts with the steps already filled in. Once students understand how to use flowcharts to solve problems, put them in charge and ask them to draw a flowchart based on a problem which they need to solve.

They’ll need to read the problem, identify the specific steps that need to happen to reach a solution, and determine which places (if any) require a ruling, i.e. a diamond shape. Having drawn the flowcharts, they can use it to solve the math problems in question.