The C.U.B.E.S. method provides a structured approach to dissecting and solving mathematical word problems involving geometric shapes, particularly focusing on volume calculations. Each letter represents a specific step: Circle the numbers, Underline the question, Box the key words, Eliminate extra information, and Solve by showing your work. For example, a problem might state: “A rectangular prism has a length of 5 cm, a width of 3 cm, and a height of 2 cm. What is its volume?” Using the method, one would circle “5,” “3,” and “2,” underline “What is its volume?”, box “rectangular prism” and “volume,” and eliminate any extraneous information. The final step involves calculating the volume using the identified values and the appropriate formula.
This systematic process offers several advantages. It encourages careful reading and comprehension of the problem, reduces errors caused by overlooking crucial details, and promotes organized problem-solving. By breaking down complex word problems into manageable steps, it builds confidence and empowers learners to tackle challenging scenarios effectively. This strategy has become increasingly popular in mathematics education as a tool to improve problem-solving skills, especially for visual and kinesthetic learners. Its structured nature helps students avoid feeling overwhelmed and promotes a deeper understanding of the underlying mathematical concepts.
