How to ask Maths questions effectively

Or any questions for that matter.

We like to say that “there is no such thing as a stupid question” and we try our level best to live by it too. It is SO important to ask questions! It is an integral part of the learning process. Having said that, there is definitely such a thing as a good question and a bad question.

Characteristics of a good question are:

• It is specific
• It has stemmed from an attempt to first solve the problem yourself

Characteristics of a bad question are exactly the opposite:

• It is vague
• And has been asked prior to the questioner actively trying to solve the problem themselves

The most effective help doesn’t come from someone simply showing you how to do the question but rather from someone helping you with specific pitfalls in an attempt that you have made to solve it.

So what is the best way for you to get effective Maths help from us on livechat?

1. Screen shot or link to the question that you are dealing with and send it to us via livechat.
2. Send a photo of your attempted solution to us via livechat so that we can pinpoint any errors or areas of misunderstanding and help you with them.
3. Now let’s chat!