← Atlas of Difficulties
S-20
The child doesn't understand a word problem: can't see where the question is
Type: verbal
What the research says
Solving a math problem begins with reading and analyzing the problem statement. Working out the logical structure of the problem and the mathematical relationships between the given data is only possible by analyzing the lexical and grammatical form of the text. Difficulties with the mechanics of reading lower its speed and quality and therefore get in the way of understanding the content.
Lalaeva R.I. Dyscalculia in Children, p. 14 (2005)
Without help
- Chooses the operation at random: sees “more” and adds, sees “left” and subtracts
- Takes any numbers from the problem and does something with them without analyzing the problem statement
- Can't tell a problem from a “non-problem” (a text with no question or no given data)