This book includes 200 word problems with answers. Some tips and a few examples are provided in an Idea Center section at the back of the book. Several topics are included, such as: 11 age problems, 15 rate problems, 3 mixture problems that do not involve liquids (these more tangible mixtures involve rocks or balls, which allow students to develop an understanding of how the mixture concept works), 4 problems involving working together (or against), 4 problems that are similar to the classic handshaking problem, several problems that involve ratios or proportions, 7 problems that involve counting permutations or combinations, 10 problems that involve calculating the likelihood of an event occurring, several problems that feature geometric shapes, 4 problems that require making predictions, 3 problems that involve other number systems, like base 3 or 9, several counting problems, 10 comparison problems, 5 remainder problems, several problems that involve money, several problems that involve fractions, decimals, or percents, and a variety of other word problems. The author, Chris McMullen, PhD, has over twenty years of experience teaching math skills to physics students. He prepared this workbook of the Improve Your Math Fluency series to share his passion for word problems.
Dr. Chris McMullen has over 20 years of experience teaching university physics in California, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. Dr. McMullen is also an author of math and science books. Whether in the classroom or as a writer, Dr. McMullen loves sharing knowledge and the art of motivating and engaging students.
Chris McMullen earned his Ph.D. in phenomenological high-energy physics (particle physics) from Oklahoma State University in 2002. Originally from California, Dr. McMullen earned his Master's degree from California State University, Northridge, where his thesis was in the field of electron spin resonance.
Dr. McMullen is well-known for: • engaging students in challenging ideas through creativity • breaking difficult problems down into manageable steps • providing clear and convincing explanations to subtle issues • his mastery of physics and strong background in mathematics • helping students become more fluent in practical math skills
As a physics teacher, Dr. McMullen observed that many students lack fluency in fundamental math skills. In an effort to help students of all ages and levels master basic math skills, he published a series of math workbooks on arithmetic, fractions, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus called the Improve Your Math Fluency Series. Dr. McMullen has also published a variety of science books, including introductions to basic astronomy and chemistry concepts in addition to physics workbooks.
Dr. McMullen is very passionate about teaching. Many students and observers have been impressed with the transformation that occurs when he walks into the classroom, and the interactive engaged discussions that he leads during class time. Dr. McMullen is well-known for drawing monkeys and using them in his physics examples and problems, using his creativity to inspire students. A stressed-out student is likely to be told to throw some bananas at monkeys, smile, and think happy physics thoughts.
Dr. McMullen first published The Visual Guide to Extra Dimensions, Volumes 1 and 2, to share his passion for the geometry and physics of the fourth dimension. Dr. McMullen has coauthored a half-dozen articles on current and future collider searches for large extra dimensions.
In addition to writing and teaching, Dr. McMullen enjoys Scrabble, golf, and chess.
I enjoyed working the problems in this book. The section that explains how to work word problems is well-written. The answers are explained well. I highly recommend this book for homeschooling or as a supplement to public schooling.
Excellent word problems! The questions cover a wide variety of topics and range from easy to difficult. The answers are explained well so in case the student doesn't get a question, they can understand it immediately. Overall, a wonderful workbook for elementary school students that I highly recommend getting a copy of!