Where can I find answers to math questions?

Many of us can find math questions challenging, difficult, or down-right scary. Never fear: math help is here. There are now many good Web sites available that will help you and your customers figure out the answers from all kinds of math questions, from arithmetic to calculus.

Some will give you answers and tell you how they calculated them, some will explain how to look at a problem, like a word problem, and figure out what they’re really asking, and many have games and exercises to help you work out your math muscles.

If you are interested in learning more about answering math questions, you can take SLRC’s Math for Librarians online class.

Math Web Sites to Use

Google
 You can use Google to convert measurements, such as "16 ft. to yards."

Lowe’s Using and Maintaining a Tape Measure
This is a great site to help you learn to use a ruler. The measurement markings are explained clearly, and there is a quiz to see how well you’ve learned.

mathFiles.com
This site offers hundreds of sample word problems with solutions. Although they try to get you to purchase their services, about half the problems they show give the solutions for free.

The Math Forum @ Drexel
An authoritative resource for math students, educators, and parents. You can search through the archive of frequently asked questions posed to Dr. Math, submit your own questions, play games, join math discussion groups, and more.

Maths Is Fun
A British site for children that gives tables and explanations on how to solve different types of math problems. It also has games, puzzles, and worksheets to help you practice the concepts.

PurpleMath.com
A site started by a former math teacher. It explains how to answer word problems, first by showing how to translate English into math, then breaking down the different types of problems (e.g., distance or money problems) and illustrating how to solve them.

Webmath.com
If you are stumped by problems involving percents, fractions, algebra, or calculus (just to name a few), this site can help. Simply select the type of problem you need, fill in the blanks, and then click "Solve."

Math Games for Kids

Cool Math 4 Kids
This site has math definitions for K-6 Algebra, math games, practice math problems, and math lessons (for help). Some fun activities include: Crop Circle Geometry, jigsaw puzzles, brain bender puzzles, and number monster.

Free Math Worksheets
Includes printable worksheets and answer sheets. Worksheets on different math topics and holiday themes are available for teachers, parents, or students.

Math Arcade on Funbrain
Flash enabled online games that help children learn math. Game is customized by gender and grade level up to 8th grade.