If your child can solve a math problem one way, that’s good. If they can rewrite it three different ways and still solve it—that’s powerful. Rewriting is an avenue to unlocking your child’s full potential and in this article, I’m going to discuss what rewriting is, why its important, and how you as a parent can encourage your student to rewrite more in math!
What is Rewriting in Math?
So what is rewriting then? Rewriting is the process of breaking the problem down into a simpler form and reconstructing the problem in a new form. When rewriting the student engages with the problem in a new way which can help the student better understand the problem. This encourages students to engage with all aspects of the problem to form a deeper understanding of it.
Why it Matters
As mentioned above, rewriting can benefits students in a number of ways. One such way is aiding in conceptual understanding. When a student rewrites an equation they are engaging with the problem in a new way which assists them in understanding the expression in full. The student is no longer trying to find the answer. When rewriting, the student is reapproaching the equation and instead finding a new understanding to the expression. Other powerful benefits include:
- Encouragement in Mathematical Flexibility
- Improvements to Problem-Solving Skills
- Reduces Errors without Straining Mental Load
- Strengthens Test-Taking Strategies
- Supports Diverse Groups of Learners
Common Scenarios Where Rewriting Helps
1. Simplifying Expressions:
- Original:
- 2x + 3x =
- Rewritten:
- 5x =
2. Factoring:
- Original:
- x² + 5x + 6 =
- Rewritten (factored):
- (x + 2) (x + 3) =
3. Expanding Expressions:
- Original:
- (x + 2) (x + 3) =
- Rewritten (expanded)
- x² + 5x + 6 =
4. Changing the Form for Solving:
- Original:
- x² ⋅ x³ =
- Rewritten:
- x⁵ =
5. Word Problems
- Original:
- Sarah has 3 times as many apples as Jake. Together, they have 48 apples. How many apples does each person have?
- Rewritten:
- x (Jake) + 3x (Sarah) = 48
- 4x = 48
- x = 12 (Jake), 3x = 36 (Sarah)
Final Thoughts
Rewriting in math isn’t just a technique—it’s a mindset. When rewriting, students slow down and approach problems with a clearer head, reducing risk of errors, and further developing positive test-taking strategies. Whether it’s rephrasing a word problem, simplifying an expression, or transforming an equation, rewriting helps students build a stronger foundation for themselves.
Rewriting doesn’t just help students solve math problems, it helps them understand them. When a student develops that kind of mindset, their learning journey completely shifts for the better. I highly recommend encouraging your students or child to rewrite frequently. Doing so can help them develop a new understanding of math and ease frustrations. Additionally, it can benefit them long after their time in the classroom is over. If you’re looking for a tutor to help your student rewrite, I highly recommend checking out our list of math tutors. Each one of our tutors are professional private school teachers. This ensures your student is getting the best education possible!