What Is Asked in Problem Solving
Short answer
In problem solving, "what is asked" is the exact question or goal you need to address. It means clearly identifying the problem’s specific requirement or outcome before attempting to solve it. Understanding what is asked ensures you focus your effort correctly and avoid solving the wrong problem or missing important details.
What Does "What Is Asked" Mean in Problem Solving?
In plain words, "what is asked" refers to the precise question or task you are required to answer or complete in a problem. This is different from the background information or data provided. It is the specific challenge or inquiry you must respond to by applying reasoning, calculations, or decision-making.
For example, if a word problem says, "A car travels 60 miles in one hour. How far will it travel in 3 hours?" the "what is asked" is the distance traveled in 3 hours. The problem supplies the speed and time, but your focus is on determining the total distance for the longer time frame.
Understanding "what is asked" means carefully reading the problem statement and pinpointing the exact question or instruction. Sometimes, problems contain extra information or multiple parts, so isolating the core question helps avoid confusion and wasted effort. This clarity forms the foundation for effective problem solving.
How Does Understanding “What Is Asked” Work? (With an Example)
To understand how to identify "what is asked," walk through a simple problem step-by-step:
Problem: You have $50. You buy 3 books costing $12 each. How much money do you have left?
Step 1: Identify what is given
- Initial money: $50
- Cost per book: $12
- Number of books: 3
Step 2: Identify what is asked
- The question is: "How much money do you have left?"
- This means you want to find the remainder after buying the books.
Step 3: Plan your approach
- Calculate the total cost of the books: 3 × $12 = $36
- Subtract this from your initial money: $50 − $36 = $14
Step 4: Answer "what is asked"
- The amount left is $14.
If you mistakenly answered $36 (the total cost), you would not be answering "what is asked." Clear identification of the question guides you to the correct operation and result.
Why Does Understanding “What Is Asked” Matter for Everyone?
Knowing exactly what question you are answering is important in many everyday situations beyond schoolwork. Whether you are budgeting your monthly expenses, deciding which route to take on a trip, or resolving a problem at work, focusing on what is asked avoids wasted time and effort.
For example, if you are planning a party and the problem is “How many chairs do I need if 12 people are coming?” focusing on the number of guests (what is given) is important, but the key is the exact question about chairs needed. If you misinterpret the question and calculate how many tables are needed instead, you won’t solve the problem you were asked.
This skill also helps in communication. When others ask questions, understanding exactly what they want allows you to give precise and relevant answers. It prevents misunderstandings and helps you solve real problems, not just symptoms or side issues.
What Are Some Related Terms People Confuse with "What Is Asked"?
Many people mix up "what is asked" with other terms related to problem solving. Understanding these terms helps clarify the problem-solving process:
| Term | Definition | Difference from "What Is Asked" |
|---|---|---|
| What is given | The facts, data, or conditions provided in the problem | Used to find the answer; not the question itself |
| Problem statement | The entire description including what is given and what is asked | Includes both information and question; "what is asked" is part of this |
| Objective | The desired outcome or goal of solving the problem | Broader than the specific question; may guide approach |
| Constraints | Rules or limits that the solution must follow | Conditions to consider but not the question |
For example, in a budgeting problem, "what is given" might be your income and expenses, while "what is asked" could be "How much money can you save this month?" Understanding these distinctions clarifies your focus and improves efficiency.
How Can You Practice Identifying “What Is Asked” in Problems?
Improving your ability to identify what is asked takes conscious practice. Here are practical, actionable steps:
- Read the entire problem carefully: Avoid skimming. Read slowly to catch every detail.
- Underline or highlight the question: Use a pen or highlighter to mark the exact sentence or phrase that asks for information.
- Rewrite the question in your own words: This helps confirm your understanding. For example, change “How many pencils are left?” to “I need to find the remaining pencils after some are given away.”
- Separate given facts from the question: List all known data points separately to avoid mixing them up with the question.
- Ask yourself explicitly: “What exactly do I need to find or do here?”
Try this approach with different types of problems—math, reading comprehension, or real-life scenarios. For example, in a reading comprehension question, isolate the part that asks “What is the main idea?” rather than focusing on details not relevant to that question.
What Should You Do Next After Understanding “What Is Asked”?
Once you clearly know what is asked, here is a practical plan of action:
- Identify relevant information: Filter out data that is not necessary to answer the question.
- Select the appropriate method or formula: For example, addition, subtraction, or logical reasoning based on the question.
- Outline a step-by-step approach: Break the problem into manageable parts if needed.
- Solve systematically: Follow your plan carefully.
- Verify your answer matches the question: Check that your answer responds directly to the question asked, not to related but different information.
- Double-check calculations or logic: Errors often occur after misunderstanding what is asked.
For complex or multi-part problems, write down each question separately and answer them one at a time. For example, “What is the total cost?” and “How much change will I get?” Treat each as a separate “what is asked” moment.
How Does Understanding “What Is Asked” Connect to Other Problem Solving Skills?
Grasping what is asked is the first step in a broader problem-solving process. It connects to these critical thinking skills:
- Analyzing information: Separating relevant from irrelevant facts.
- Planning: Choosing problem-solving strategies based on the question.
- Reasoning: Applying logic aligned with the question’s needs.
- Evaluating: Checking if your solution truly answers the question.
- Communicating: Explaining your answer clearly and directly.
For example, if you understand the question in a work task, you can plan your steps more efficiently and communicate your results clearly. This reduces mistakes and helps you make better decisions.
For more on building these skills, check Problem Solving Activities to Build Critical Thinking Skills and What Problem Solving Is and Why It Matters.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I've correctly identified "what is asked" in a problem?
After reading the problem, ask yourself what specific information or result the question wants. If you can clearly state what you need to find in one sentence, you’ve identified “what is asked.” Paraphrasing the question is a good test.
What if a problem has more than one question or part?
Break the problem into smaller sections and identify each question separately. Answer each one step-by-step to ensure you address all parts properly.
Can "what is asked" be implied rather than directly stated?
Sometimes, yes. If a question is not clearly stated, look for clues in the problem’s context or what information would be useful to solve it. Practice helps you recognize implied questions better.
How can I avoid mixing "what is given" with "what is asked"?
Write down the given facts separately before focusing on the question. This physical separation helps keep your focus clear and prevents confusion.
Why do some people find identifying "what is asked" difficult?
It can be challenging if problems are wordy, complex, or contain extra information. Practice breaking down problems, focusing on keywords, and paraphrasing questions to improve this skill.