A four-step routine for when a maths problem looks impossible. It works because most "stuck" moments are actually three different problems wearing a stuck mask. Use it before reaching for ChatGPT or your friend's answers — and you'll stop being stuck for the same reason twice.

The four steps

Step 1 — Re-read the question (60 seconds)

Underline two things:

  • What is being asked (the actual question, often the last sentence)
  • What you've been given (numbers, conditions, "if")

Most "stuck" moments end here. The question was asking for the area but you were calculating the perimeter. Or you missed a "not".

Step 2 — Connect to a method you know

Ask yourself: "What kind of maths is this?"

  • See brackets like 3(x + 4)? → distributive property
  • See = with one unknown? → solving an equation
  • See ratios? → scale up or down to a common term

Name the topic. Don't try to solve yet. If you can't name it, that's your real problem — go look up the topic name, not the answer.

Step 3 — Try the first move

Don't try to see the whole solution. Just make one move:

  • Expand the bracket
  • Add the same thing to both sides
  • Convert to a common denominator

Write it down. Look at what you have now. It's usually simpler than what you started with.

Step 4 — If still stuck, hint-ladder yourself

Ask yourself in order:

  1. What operation am I doing?
  2. What rule applies to this operation?
  3. What's the next single step?
  4. Can I think of a similar but easier problem?

If you reach step 4, do the easier version. Then come back to yours.

When to stop and ask for help

After ~10 minutes of real attempts (not staring), it's fine to ask a tutor — or use Professor Pi's 4-level hint ladder. The trick is showing your working so they can find your specific mistake, not the textbook's.

What NOT to do

  • ❌ Stare at the problem hoping it makes sense
  • ❌ Copy a friend's answer
  • ❌ Ask ChatGPT for the solution — you'll learn nothing
  • ❌ Skip and "come back later" five problems in a row

The mental shift

"Stuck" is not a problem. "Stuck and not trying" is. Every maths topic in KS3 has a small number of patterns — and once you've named the pattern, you usually know the move.

The 5-minute warm-up rule

Before starting tough homework, do 2–3 problems you already know. Your brain warms up faster than you think; what feels impossible at minute 1 often feels obvious at minute 8.

FAQ

What should I do first when I can't solve a maths problem?

Read the question twice and underline what's being asked, not what's given. 60% of "stuck" moments are actually "didn't read the question carefully".

How long should I try before asking for help?

Around 5–10 minutes of genuine effort. Less than that, you haven't engaged your brain. More than 15 minutes stuck without progress and you're just rehearsing being confused.

Is it cheating to look up the method online?

Looking up a method is fine. Looking up the exact answer is the cheating trap. Use a method, then apply it to your problem yourself.

For Y7–Y9 students. Written by Jason at aitutors.me. Updated 20 May 2026.