Click on the grade level you are entering in the fall. Print out and complete the question by writing or drawing the strategy you used to solve the problem.
All ten completed problems should be given to your math teacher on August 20. You will receive 100 extra points plus an "A" in your teacher's grade book.
PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES
1. Make sure you understand the problem.
- Read the problem carefully two or three times if necessary.
- Talk it over with a friend or familly member.
- Write out the problem in your own words and have someone check that what you have written it the same as the original problem.
- Another way of getting going with problem solving is MAKING A START. Don't be scared of having a go! Draw some sketches, try some possible answers, talk the problem over with a friend.
2. Making mistakes
- It's true. Good problem solvers make plenty of mistakes.
3. Do not get frustrated!
- Problem solving is all about coming up against something you don't quite understand.
- Stay cool!
4. Draw a diagram or do a sketch
- These mean the same thing, and it is often the best thing to do to start.
5. Make a list, then look for a pattern
- Often in mathematical problems, there are patterns to be looked for that will help in their solution.
- It is a good idea to start off a list that you can easily check for patterns.
- Make sure you include the simpler parts of the problem in your list.
6. Start with the easier parts of the problem, or make the problem simpler
- Understanding a simple version of a problem often is the first step to understanding a whole lot more of it.
- Don't be scared of looking at simple versions of a problem then gradually extending your investigation to the more complicated parts.
7. Check your answers
- You might think you've go it but you'd better check, just in case. This is the most vital and final part of solving a problem.
8. Finally
- Best wishes with your problem solving.
Be positive!
