How to Show Work in Math
A practical guide to writing clear math steps: given values, formula, substitution, simplification, answer, and check.
How to use the show work calculator
Showing work is not just for teachers. It helps you catch mistakes, explain your thinking, and reuse the method on similar problems.
- Write down the known values.
- Name the formula or rule.
- Substitute values before simplifying.
- Keep equal signs aligned and avoid skipping major transformations.
- Check the final answer when possible.
Formula or method
A reliable step pattern is: Given -> Formula -> Substitute -> Simplify -> Answer -> Check.
Worked examples
Equation work
Problem: 2x + 3 = 11
Solution: Subtract 3: 2x = 8. Divide by 2: x = 4. Check: 2(4) + 3 = 11.
Geometry work
Problem: Area of triangle with base 10 and height 6
Solution: A = bh/2 = 10 * 6 / 2 = 30 square units.