Working memory is essential for which of the following tasks?

Working memory is crucial for performing tasks that require active manipulation and processing of information in real-time. Solving a math problem mentally involves holding various numbers, operations, and interim results in mind while performing calculations. This process requires the use of working memory to keep track of the problem and manage the steps involved in arriving at the solution.

In contrast, reciting a poem from memory or remembering a shopping list primarily involves long-term memory retrieval rather than the active processing that working memory entails. While all tasks listed do involve memory, the key element in solving a math problem mentally is the reliance on working memory for simultaneous information management and manipulation, making it the most directly tied to working memory functions.