Problem Solving Strategies
Mathematical problem solving is a process. Using strategies like drawing diagrams, making tables, or working backwards helps solve complex problems.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Understand the problem: identify what is given and what is needed
Plan: choose an appropriate strategy (draw, table, guess-check, work backwards)
Solve: carry out the plan carefully, showing all working
Check: does the answer make sense? Is it reasonable?
Key Vocabulary
Strategy
A planned method or approach for solving a problem
Diagram
A visual representation used to help understand a problem
Working backwards
A strategy where you start from the answer and reverse the steps
Reasonable
An answer that makes sense given the size of the numbers involved
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Sam has some marbles. He gives away 15 and has 8 left. How many did he start with?
Question 2
Which strategy is best for: "How many ways can you make change for 50 cents?"
Question 3
What should you do FIRST when solving a word problem?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Understand the problem: identify what is given and what is needed
- ●Plan: choose an appropriate strategy (draw, table, guess-check, work backwards)
- ●Solve: carry out the plan carefully, showing all working
- ●Check: does the answer make sense? Is it reasonable?