Group members: Kang Chin Leong Kiu Tou Tung Oh Hui Kai

Hii Ting Tiang Lecturer:Ms.Low Kee Sun

Introduction to Mathematics problem solving strategies:

A mathematical problem becomes easy to solve when

we know the solving strategies. Certain procedures are used to attain the solution of the problem. The way of solving the problem is very important in order to get exact solutions.

Three-Step Process:
1. Understand the problem (See)
2. Devise a plan (Plan) 3. Carry out the plan (Do)

1. Understand the problem: (See)

Many students are overwhelmed just by reading a

problem. At this point group discussion is beneficial.

2. Devise a plan: (Plan)

The plan is usually called a strategy.

Problem-solving strategies include: Act is out Make a drawing or diagram Look for a pattern Construct a table Identify all possibilities Guess and check Work backward Write an open sentence Solve a simpler or similar problem Change your point of view/logical reasoning

3. Carry out the plan: (Do)

The original strategy may need to be modified. Students need to understand that not every problem will be solved in the first attempt. Cooperative learning teams can be very beneficial at this point.

Look For Pattern

Involves identifying a pattern and predicting what will come next. Often students will construct a table, then use it to look for a pattern.

Mathematics Problem Solving Strategies:

Mathematics problem 1:

David has written a number pattern that begins with 1, 3, 7, 13, 21. If he continues this pattern, what are the next two numbers in his pattern?

Strategy 1: UNDERSTAND

What do you need to find?

-You need to find 2 numbers after 21.

Strategy 2: PLAN

How can you solve the problem?

- You can find a pattern. Look at the numbers. The new number depends upon the number before it.

Strategy 3: SOLVE

Look at the numbers in the pattern. 3 = 1 + 2 (starting number is 1, add 2 to make 3)

7 = 3 + 4 (starting number is 3, add 4 to make 7)

13 = 7 + 6 (starting number is 7, add 6 to make 13) 21 = 13 + 8 (starting number is 13, add 8 to make 21)

New numbers will be 21 + 10 = 31 31 + 12 = 43 The next two numbers are 31, 43.

Mathematics problem 2:

You save $4 on Sunday. Each day after that you save twice as much as you saved the day before. If this pattern continues, how much would you save on Thursday?

 Strategy 1: UNDERSTAND

you need to know that he save $4 on Sunday. Then you need to know that you always save twice as much as you find the day before.

Strategy 2: PLAN How can you solve the problem? - You can make a table like the one below. List the amount of money you save each day. Remember to double the number each day.

strategy 3: solve
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday thursday

$4

$8

$16

$32

$64

x2

x2

x2

x2

Question:
Some problems can be solved by recognizing a pattern. Make a table to help you.

-Daniel arranged loaves of bread on 6 shelves in the bakery. He put 1 loaf on the top shelf, 3 loaves on the second shelf, and 5 loaves on the third shelf. If he continues this pattern, how many loaves did Daniel put on the 6th shelf?

 Daniel put 11 loaves on

shelf 6.

Shelf Shelf

Loaves Loaves

11

11

+2

+2

+2

+2

+2

Step by step
Strategy 1: UNDERSTAND
what do you need to find? Strategy 2: PLAN

How can you solve the problem? Give some question Strategy 3: SOLVE
Make a table and look at the numbers in the pattern. Are the numbers increasing or decreasing? If they are increasing, does it look like the numbers are increasing by adding a number or multiplying a number? If they are decreasing, does it look like the numbers are going down by subtracting or dividing?