Problem Solving Plan in 4 Steps:
1. Clues:
- Read the problem carefully.
- Underline clue words.
- Ask yourself if you've seen a problem similar to this one. If so, what is similar about it?
- What did you need to do?
- What facts are you given?
- What do you need to find out?
2. Game Plan:
- Define your game plan.
- Have you seen a problem like this before?
- Identify what you did.
- Define your strategies to solve this problem.
- Try out your strategies. (Using formulas, simplifying, use sketches, guess and check, look for a pattern, etc.)
- If your strategy doesn't work, it may lead you to an 'aha' moment and to a strategy that does work.
3. Solve:
- Use your strategies to solve the problem
4. Reflect:
- This part is critical. Look over your solution.
- Does it seem probable?
- Did you answer the question?
- Are you sure?
- Did you answer using the language in the question?
- Same units?
Clue Words:
When deciding on methods or procedures to use to solve problems, the first thing you will do is look for clues which is one of the most important skills in solving problems in mathematics. If you begin to solve problems by looking for clue words, you will find that these 'words' often indicate an operation.
For instance:
Clue Words for Addition:
sum
total
in all
perimeter
Clue Words for Subtraction:
difference
how much more
exceed
Clue Words for Multiplication
product
total
area
times
Clue Words for Division
share
distribute
quotient
average
