Problem Solving 101

Problem Solving 101

Using 3R2S

Problems with Solving: Algebra Edition

• Lots of Condensed Information

• Looking how to connect numbers (wrong)

• belief that all equations look the exact same

• there can only be one variable.

The solution to Solving: Algebra Edition

• Read for understanding

• Look for relationships

• Recognizing quantities and the simple relationship between them.

• Putting pieces of a puzzle together.

OK..... BUT HOW DO I ACTUALLY SOLVE?

• First, you want to identify the unknown, which is your variable. What are you trying to solve for?

• Identify the variable: Use the statement, Let x = _____.

• You can replace the x with whatever variable you are using.

Writing Equations For Word Problems

• Look for key words that will help you write the equation. Highlight the key words and write an equation to match the problem.

• Check Solution to see if answer makes sense.

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KEY WORDS

These keywords give you an idea of operations that will be used in a problem or an idea of what your final answer would look like.

Example #1

Linda was selling tickets for the school play. She sold 10 more adult tickets than children tickets and she sold twice as many senior tickets as children tickets.

Write an expression to represent the number of tickets sold.

Multiple Choice

think of the relationship between all qualtities mentioned.

Which is the best to build an equation to solve this problem?

• tickets

• adult tickets

• children tickets

• senior tickets

Step 1: Define your variable

reminder to start by saying

x = ..........

Step 2: Build around the variable

Now that we have starting points, let's write a word equation to guide my mathematics.

Write an expression to represent the number of tickets sold.

• (# of children tix) + (# of adult tix) + ( # of senior tix )

• by using words, at the end you will ensure you have accounted for each part of the problem in your expression/equation

Open Ended

Adult tickets cost $5, children's tickets cost $2, and senior tickets cost $3.

Write an expression to represent the total amount that is made from the ticket sales.

Open Ended

Linda made $700.

How many children's tickets were sold for the play? How many adult tickets were sold? How many senior tickets were sold?

Open Ended

You have $70 and your sister has $115. You are saving $8 per week and your sister is saving $5 per week.

1) write an equation to represent this scenario.

Open Ended

You have $60 and your sister has $120. You are saving $7 per week and your sister is saving $5 per week. How long will it be before you and your sister have the same amount of money?