Which is a good habit before starting a math problem?

• A. Reading the directions first.
• B. Waiting until the last minute.
• C. Guessing the answer.
• D. Ignoring the problem.

Answer: (A)

Reading the directions first helps you understand exactly what to do and what information you have. It shows what you need to find, how many parts there are, and how you should show your work. With that clear, you can pick a good plan and follow the steps in the right order, which makes your work more accurate and efficient.

Waiting until the last minute leads to rushing and missing details, which makes mistakes more likely. Guessing the answer isn’t a reliable strategy, because you might overlook important clues in the problem. Ignoring the problem means you won’t solve it at all. Reading the directions first avoids those pitfalls and sets you up for success.