Instructions for groups of math problems
It is very common for directions to be given about more than one math problem. These directions in the imperative mood are usually written.
The verbs in this section include the verbs for basic math operations and general vocabulary.
Verbs for math operations
The bare verbs for basic math operations can be used in the imperative for sets or groups of math exercises.
Examples of the bare verbs for math operations:
add
subtract
multiply
divide
Examples of instructions:
Add the math problems.
Subtract the problems.
Multiply the following problems.
Divide the problems below.
Notice that a specific math problem does not follow the verb. These examples are instructions for a set of math problems. Notice the language after add, subtract, multiply, or divide direct the reader to a group of math problems.
Your Turn — Practice the imperative mood with math operation verbs
General Vocabulary for math instructions
The list for single-word verbs include general verbs that are not specific to math operations.
For example:
solve
answer
calculate
do
complete
Examples of instructions:
Solve the math problems.
Answer the math questions.
Calculate the following math problems.
Do the exercises.
Complete the next section.
These verbs usually do not stand alone. More information must be included so the student has clear instructions.
Your Turn — Practice the imperative mood with general vocabulary
Another common word used to give directions for groups of math problems is the word “find”.
For example:
“Find the answers to the following problems”
“Find the solutions to the equations”
“Find the totals for the math exercises”
The verb “find” is giving the direction to identify a correct answer. Look at the words that follow the imperative “find” in the examples above. They are all about the answer to a math problem.
The focus is on the solution. The focus is not about the math problems. A student uses the math information in a math problem to hunt for or uncover the answer.
For example:
“Find the math problems below” is an instruction that does not make any sense. In this sentence, the thing students are instructed to find is below the sentence. The reader does not have to find anything. It’s already there.
“Find the exercises” also does not make sense. This imperative tells readers to locate the exercises. What happens when the exercises are found?
For instructions in math, the word find needs to direct readers to the answer or solution or total.
Your Turn — Practice the imperative mood with “find”
Summary:
- The imperative mood can use basic math vocabulary and general vocabulary.
- The imperative mood can be used for groups or sets of math problems.
