algebra strategies for problem solving

Module 2: Calculations and Solving Equations

Algebraic problem solving strategies, learning outcome.

Use a problem-solving strategy to set up and solve word problems

The world is full of word problems. How much money do I need to fill the car with gas? How much should I tip the server at a restaurant? How many socks should I pack for vacation? How big a turkey do I need to buy for Thanksgiving dinner, and what time do I need to put it in the oven? If my sister and I buy our mother a present, how much will each of us pay?

Man pumping gas into his car while looking at the display where the cost and gallons pumped are displayed.

Now that we can solve equations, we are ready to apply our new skills to word problems.

Previously, you translated word phrases into algebraic equations using some basic mathematical vocabulary and symbols. Since then you’ve increased your math vocabulary as you learned about more algebraic procedures. You’ve also solved some word problems applying math to everyday situations. This method works as long as the situation is familiar to you and the math is not too complicated.

Now we’ll develop a strategy you can use to solve any word problem. This strategy will help you become successful with word problems. We’ll demonstrate the strategy as we solve the following problem.

Pete bought a shirt on sale for $[latex]18[/latex], which is one-half the original price. What was the original price of the shirt?

Solution: Step 1. Read the problem. Make sure you understand all the words and ideas. You may need to read the problem two or more times. If there are words you don’t understand, look them up in a dictionary or on the Internet.

In this problem, do you understand what is being discussed? Do you understand every word?

Step 2. Identify what you are looking for. It’s hard to find something if you are not sure what it is! Read the problem again and look for words that tell you what you are looking for!

In this problem, the words “what was the original price of the shirt” tell you what you are looking for: the original price of the shirt.

Step 3. Name what you are looking for. Choose a variable to represent that quantity. You can use any letter for the variable, but it may help to choose one that helps you remember what it represents.

Let [latex]p=[/latex] the original price of the shirt

Step 4. Translate into an equation. It may help to first restate the problem in one sentence, with all the important information. Then translate the sentence into an equation.

18 is one half of the original price translates to the equation 18 equals one half times p. 18 equates to itself. The word "is" translates to the equals sign. One half equates to itself. The word "of" correlates to multiplication. The original price can be represented by p.

Step 6. Check the answer in the problem and make sure it makes sense.

We found that [latex]p=36[/latex], which means the original price was [latex]\text{\$36}[/latex]. Does [latex]\text{\$36}[/latex] make sense in the problem? Yes, because [latex]18[/latex] is one-half of [latex]36[/latex], and the shirt was on sale at half the original price.

Step 7. Answer the question with a complete sentence.

The problem asked “What was the original price of the shirt?” The answer to the question is: “The original price of the shirt was [latex]\text{\$36}[/latex].”

If this were a homework exercise, our work might look like this:

The top line reads, Let p equal the original price. Below that, we have 18 is one-half the original price, which is followed by 18 equals one half p. Multiply both sides by 2 to get 2 times 18 equals 2 times one half p. The equation simplifies to 36 equals p. The next line reads, check. Is 36 dollars a reasonable price for a shirt? Yes. Is 18 dollars one half of 36? Yes. Thus, we can conclude The original price of the shirt was 36 dollars.

We list the steps we took to solve the previous example.

Problem-Solving Strategy

Let’s use this approach with another example.

Yash brought apples and bananas to a picnic. The number of apples was three more than twice the number of bananas. Yash brought [latex]11[/latex] apples to the picnic. How many bananas did he bring?

In the next example, we will apply our Problem-Solving Strategy to applications of percent.

Nga’s car insurance premium increased by [latex]\text{\$60}[/latex], which was [latex]\text{8%}[/latex] of the original cost. What was the original cost of the premium?

Now we will translate and solve number problems. In number problems, you are given some clues about one or more numbers, and you use these clues to build an equation. Number problems don’t usually arise on an everyday basis, but they provide a good introduction to practicing the Problem-Solving Strategy. Remember to look for clue words such as difference , of , and and .

The difference of a number and six is [latex]13[/latex]. Find the number.

The sum of twice a number and seven is [latex]15[/latex]. Find the number.

Watch the following video to see another example of how to solve a number problem.

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2.3: Use a Problem Solving Strategy

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Before you get started, take this readiness quiz.

Have you ever had any negative experiences in the past with word problems? When we feel we have no control, and continue repeating negative thoughts, we set up barriers to success. Realize that your negative experiences with word problems are in your past. To move forward you need to calm your fears and change your negative feelings.

Start with a fresh slate and begin to think positive thoughts. Repeating some of the following statements may be helpful to turn your thoughts positive. Thinking positive thoughts is a first step towards success.

Use a Problem Solving Strategy for Word Problems

Now that we can solve equations, we are ready to apply our new skills to word problems. We will develop a strategy we can use to solve any word problem successfully.

EXAMPLE \(\PageIndex{1}\)

Normal yearly snowfall at the local ski resort is 12 inches more than twice the amount it received last season. The normal yearly snowfall is 62 inches. What was the snowfall last season at the ski resort?

Try It! \(\PageIndex{1}\)

Guillermo bought textbooks and notebooks at the bookstore. The number of textbooks was three more than twice the number of notebooks. He bought seven textbooks. How many notebooks did he buy?

He bought two notebooks

Try It! \(\PageIndex{2}\)

Gerry worked Sudoku puzzles and crossword puzzles this week. The number of Sudoku puzzles he completed is eight more than twice the number of crossword puzzles. He completed 22 Sudoku puzzles. How many crossword puzzles did he do?

He did seven crossword puzzles

We summarize an effective strategy for problem solving.

PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGY FOR WORD PROBLEMS

Solve Number Word Problems

We will now apply the problem solving strategy to “number word problems.” Number word problems give some clues about one or more numbers and we use these clues to write an equation. Number word problems provide good practice for using the Problem Solving Strategy.

EXAMPLE \(\PageIndex{2}\)

The sum of seven times a number and eight is thirty-six. Find the number.

Did you notice that we left out some of the steps as we solved this equation? If you’re not yet ready to leave out these steps, write down as many as you need.

Try It! \(\PageIndex{3}\)

The sum of four times a number and two is fourteen. Find the number.

Try It! \(\PageIndex{4}\)

The sum of three times a number and seven is twenty-five. Find the number.

Some number word problems ask us to find two or more numbers. It may be tempting to name them all with different variables, but so far, we have only solved equations with one variable. In order to avoid using more than one variable, we will define the numbers in terms of the same variable. Be sure to read the problem carefully to discover how all the numbers relate to each other.

EXAMPLE \(\PageIndex{3}\)

The sum of two numbers is negative fifteen. One number is nine less than the other. Find the numbers.

Try It! \(\PageIndex{5}\)

The sum of two numbers is negative twenty-three. One number is seven less than the other. Find the numbers.

Try It! \(\PageIndex{6}\)

The sum of two numbers is negative eighteen. One number is forty more than the other. Find the numbers.

Some number problems involve consecutive integers . Consecutive integers are integers that immediately follow each other. Examples of consecutive integers are:

\[\begin{array}{rrrr} 1, & 2, & 3, & 4 \\ −10, & −9, & −8, & −7\\ 150, & 151, & 152, & 153 \end{array}\nonumber\]

Notice that each number is one more than the number preceding it. Therefore, if we define the first integer as \(n,\) the next consecutive integer is \(n+1\). The one after that is one more than \(n+1\), so it is \(n+1+1\), which is \(n+2\).

\[\begin{array}{ll} n & 1^{\text{st}} \text{integer} \\ n+1 \;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\;\; & 2^{\text{nd}}\text{consecutive integer} \\ n+2 & 3^{\text{rd}}\text{consecutive integer} \;\;\;\;\;\;\;\; \text{etc.} \end{array}\nonumber\]

We will use this notation to represent consecutive integers in the next example.

EXAMPLE \(\PageIndex{4}\)

Find three consecutive integers whose sum is \(−54\).

Try It! \(\PageIndex{7}\)

Find three consecutive integers whose sum is \(−96\).

\(−33,−32,−31\)

Try It! \(\PageIndex{8}\)

Find three consecutive integers whose sum is \(−36\).

\(−13,−12,−11\)

Now that we have worked with consecutive integers, we will expand our work to include consecutive even integers and consecutive odd integers . Consecutive even integers are even integers that immediately follow one another. Examples of consecutive even integers are:

\[24, 26, 28\nonumber\]

\[−12,−10,−8\nonumber\]

Notice each integer is two more than the number preceding it. If we call the first one \(n,\) then the next one is \(n+2\). The one after that would be \(n+2+2\) or \(n+4\).

Consecutive odd integers are odd integers that immediately follow one another. Consider the consecutive odd integers 63, 65, and 67.

\[63, 65, 67\nonumber\]

\[n,n+2,n+4\nonumber\]

Does it seem strange to have to add two (an even number) to get the next odd number? Do we get an odd number or an even number when we add 2 to 3? to 11? to 47?

Whether the problem asks for consecutive even numbers or odd numbers, you do not have to do anything different. The pattern is still the same—to get to the next odd or the next even integer, add two.

EXAMPLE \(\PageIndex{5}\)

Find three consecutive even integers whose sum is \(120\).

Try It! \(\PageIndex{9}\)

Find three consecutive even integers whose sum is 102.

Try It! \(\PageIndex{10}\)

Find three consecutive even integers whose sum is \(−24\).

\(−10,−8,−6\)

When a number problem is in a real life context, we still use the same strategies that we used for the previous examples.

EXAMPLE \(\PageIndex{6}\)

A married couple together earns $110,000 a year. The wife earns $16,000 less than twice what her husband earns. What does the husband earn?

According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, the average cost of a car in 2014 was $28,400. This was $1,600 less than six times the cost in 1975. What was the average cost of a car in 1975?

The average cost was $5,000.

Try It! \(\PageIndex{11}\)

US Census data shows that the median price of new home in the U.S. in November 2014 was $280,900. This was $10,700 more than 14 times the price in November 1964. What was the median price of a new home in November 1964?

The median price was $19,300.

Solve Percent Applications

There are several methods to solve percent equations. In algebra, it is easiest if we just translate English sentences into algebraic equations and then solve the equations. Be sure to change the given percent to a decimal before you use it in the equation.

EXAMPLE \(\PageIndex{7}\)

Translate and solve:

Try It! \(\PageIndex{12}\)

a. 36 b. $26 c. \(125 \% \)

Try It! \(\PageIndex{13}\)

a. 33 b. $36 c. \(175 \% \)

Now that we have a problem solving strategy to refer to, and have practiced solving basic percent equations, we are ready to solve percent applications. Be sure to ask yourself if your final answer makes sense—since many of the applications we will solve involve everyday situations, you can rely on your own experience.

EXAMPLE \(\PageIndex{8}\)

The label on Audrey’s yogurt said that one serving provided 12 grams of protein, which is 24% of the recommended daily amount. What is the total recommended daily amount of protein?

Try It! \(\PageIndex{14}\)

One serving of wheat square cereal has 7 grams of fiber, which is 28% of the recommended daily amount. What is the total recommended daily amount of fiber?

Try It! \(\PageIndex{15}\)

One serving of rice cereal has 190 mg of sodium, which is 8% of the recommended daily amount. What is the total recommended daily amount of sodium?

Remember to put the answer in the form requested. In the next example we are looking for the percent.

EXAMPLE \(\PageIndex{9}\)

Veronica is planning to make muffins from a mix. The package says each muffin will be 240 calories and 60 calories will be from fat. What percent of the total calories is from fat?

Try It! \(\PageIndex{16}\)

Mitzi received some gourmet brownies as a gift. The wrapper said each 28% brownie was 480 calories, and had 240 calories of fat. What percent of the total calories in each brownie comes from fat? Round the answer to the nearest whole percent.

Try It! \(\PageIndex{17}\)

The mix Ricardo plans to use to make brownies says that each brownie will be 190 calories, and 76 calories are from fat. What percent of the total calories are from fat? Round the answer to the nearest whole percent.

It is often important in many fields—business, sciences, pop culture—to talk about how much an amount has increased or decreased over a certain period of time. This increase or decrease is generally expressed as a percent and called the percent change .

To find the percent change, first we find the amount of change, by finding the difference of the new amount and the original amount. Then we find what percent the amount of change is of the original amount.

FIND PERCENT CHANGE

\[\text{change}= \text{new amount}−\text{original amount}\]

change is what percent of the original amount?

EXAMPLE \(\PageIndex{10}\)

Recently, the California governor proposed raising community college fees from $36 a unit to $46 a unit. Find the percent change. (Round to the nearest tenth of a percent.)

Try It! \(\PageIndex{18}\)

Find the percent change. (Round to the nearest tenth of a percent.) In 2011, the IRS increased the deductible mileage cost to 55.5 cents from 51 cents.

Try It! \(\PageIndex{19}\)

Find the percent change. (Round to the nearest tenth of a percent.) In 1995, the standard bus fare in Chicago was $1.50. In 2008, the standard bus fare was 2.25.

Applications of discount and mark-up are very common in retail settings.

When you buy an item on sale, the original price has been discounted by some dollar amount. The discount rate , usually given as a percent, is used to determine the amount of the discount . To determine the amount of discount, we multiply the discount rate by the original price.

The price a retailer pays for an item is called the original cost . The retailer then adds a mark-up to the original cost to get the list price , the price he sells the item for. The mark-up is usually calculated as a percent of the original cost. To determine the amount of mark-up, multiply the mark-up rate by the original cost.

\[ \begin{align*} \text{amount of discount} &= \text{discount rate}· \text{original price} \\ \text{sale price} &= \text{original amount}– \text{discount price} \end{align*}\]

The sale price should always be less than the original price.

\[\begin{align*} \text{amount of mark-up} &= \text{mark-up rate}·\text{original price} \\ \text{list price} &= \text{original cost}–\text{mark-up} \end{align*}\]

The list price should always be more than the original cost.

EXAMPLE \(\PageIndex{11}\)

Liam’s art gallery bought a painting at an original cost of $750. Liam marked the price up 40%. Find

Try It! \(\PageIndex{20}\)

Find a. the amount of mark-up and b. the list price: Jim’s music store bought a guitar at original cost $1,200. Jim marked the price up 50%.

a. $600 b. $1,800

Try It! \(\PageIndex{21}\)

Find a. the amount of mark-up and b. the list price: The Auto Resale Store bought Pablo’s Toyota for $8,500. They marked the price up 35%.

a. $2,975 b. $11,475

Solve Simple Interest Applications

Interest is a part of our daily lives. From the interest earned on our savings to the interest we pay on a car loan or credit card debt, we all have some experience with interest in our lives.

The amount of money you initially deposit into a bank is called the principal , \(P,\) and the bank pays you interest, \(I.\) When you take out a loan, you pay interest on the amount you borrow, also called the principal.

In either case, the interest is computed as a certain percent of the principal, called the rate of interest , \(r.\) The rate of interest is usually expressed as a percent per year, and is calculated by using the decimal equivalent of the percent. The variable \(t,\) (for time) represents the number of years the money is saved or borrowed.

Interest is calculated as simple interest or compound interest. Here we will use simple interest.

SIMPLE INTEREST

If an amount of money, \(P,\) called the principal, is invested or borrowed for a period of \(t\) years at an annual interest rate \(r,\) the amount of interest, \(I,\) earned or paid is

\[ \begin{array}{ll} I=Prt \; \; \; \; \; \; \; \; \; \; \; \; \text{where} & { \begin{align*} I &= \text{interest} \\ P &= \text{principal} \\ r &= \text{rate} \\ t &= \text{time} \end{align*}} \end{array}\]

Interest earned or paid according to this formula is called simple interest .

The formula we use to calculate interest is \(I=Prt\). To use the formula we substitute in the values for variables that are given, and then solve for the unknown variable. It may be helpful to organize the information in a chart.

EXAMPLE \(\PageIndex{12}\)

Areli invested a principal of $950 in her bank account that earned simple interest at an interest rate of 3%. How much interest did she earn in five years?

\( \begin{aligned} I & = \; ? \\ P & = \; \$ 950 \\ r & = \; 3 \% \\ t & = \; 5 \text{ years} \end{aligned}\)

\(\begin{array}{ll} \text{Identify what you are asked to find, and choose a} & \text{What is the simple interest?} \\ \text{variable to represent it.} & \text{Let } I= \text{interest.} \\ \text{Write the formula.} & I=Prt \\ \text{Substitute in the given information.} & I=(950)(0.03)(5) \\ \text{Simplify.} & I=142.5 \\ \text{Check.} \\ \text{Is } \$142.50 \text{ a reasonable amount of interest on } \$ \text{ 950?} \; \;\;\;\;\; \;\;\;\;\;\; \\ \text{Yes.} \\ \text{Write a complete sentence.} & \text{The interest is } \$ \text{142.50.} \end{array}\)

Try It! \(\PageIndex{22}\)

Nathaly deposited $12,500 in her bank account where it will earn 4% simple interest. How much interest will Nathaly earn in five years?

He will earn $2,500.

Try It! \(\PageIndex{23}\)

Susana invested a principal of $36,000 in her bank account that earned simple interest at an interest rate of 6.5%. How much interest did she earn in three years?

She earned $7,020.

There may be times when we know the amount of interest earned on a given principal over a certain length of time, but we do not know the rate.

EXAMPLE \(\PageIndex{13}\)

Hang borrowed $7,500 from her parents to pay her tuition. In five years, she paid them $1,500 interest in addition to the $7,500 she borrowed. What was the rate of simple interest?

\( \begin{aligned} I & = \; \$ 1500 \\ P & = \; \$ 7500 \\ r & = \; ? \\ t & = \; 5 \text{ years} \end{aligned}\)

\(\text{Identify what you are asked to find,} \qquad \quad \text{What is rate of simple interest?} \\ \begin{align*} &\text{and choose a variable to represent it.} & \text{Let }r \;&= \;\text{ rate of interest} \\ &\text{Write the formula.} & I \;&= \;Prt \\ &\text{Substitute in the given information.} & 1,500\; &= \;(7,500)r(5) \\ &\text{Multiply.} & 1,500 \; &= \; 37,500r \\ &\text{Divide.} & 0.04 \; &=\; r \\ &\text{Change to percent form} & r\; &= \; 4\% \end{align*}\)

\(\begin{align*} I \; &= \; Prt \\ 1,500 \; &\stackrel{?}{=}\; (7,500)(0.04)(5)\\ 1,500 \; &= \;1,500✓ \end{align*}\)

Write a complete sentence. The rate of interest was \(4\%.\)

Try It! \(\PageIndex{24}\)

Jim lent his sister $5,000 to help her buy a house. In three years, she paid him the $5,000, plus $900 interest. What was the rate of simple interest?

The rate of simple interest was 6%.

Try It! \(\PageIndex{25}\)

Loren lent his brother $3,000 to help him buy a car. In four years, his brother paid him back the $3,000 plus $660 in interest. What was the rate of simple interest?

The rate of simple interest was 5.5%.

In the next example, we are asked to find the principal—the amount borrowed.

EXAMPLE \(\PageIndex{14}\)

Sean’s new car loan statement said he would pay $4,866,25 in interest from a simple interest rate of 8.5% over five years. How much did he borrow to buy his new car?

\( \begin{aligned} I & = \; 4,866.25 \\ P & = \; ? \\ r & = \; 8.5 \% \\ t & = \; 5 \text{ years} \end{aligned}\)

\(\text{Identify what you are asked to find,} \qquad \quad \text{What is the amount borrowed (the principal)?} \\ \begin{align*} &\text{and choose a variable to represent it.} & \text{Let }P \;&= \;\text{ principal borrowed} \\ &\text{Write the formula.} & I \;&= \;Prt \\ &\text{Substitute in the given information.} & 4,866.25\; &= \;P(0.085)(5) \\ &\text{Multiply.} & 4,866.25 \; &= \; 0.425P \\ &\text{Divide.} & 11,450 \; &=\; P \end{align*}\)

\(\begin{align*} I \; &= \; Prt \\ 4,866.25 \; &\stackrel{?}{=}\; (11,450)(0.085)(5)\\ 4,866.25 \; &= \;4,866.25✓ \end{align*}\)

Write a complete sentence. The principal was \($11,450.\)

Try It! \(\PageIndex{26}\)

Eduardo noticed that his new car loan papers stated that with a 7.5% simple interest rate, he would pay $6,596.25 in interest over five years. How much did he borrow to pay for his car?

He paid $17,590.

Try It! \(\PageIndex{27}\)

In five years, Gloria’s bank account earned $2,400 interest at 5% simple interest. How much had she deposited in the account?

She deposited $9,600.

Access this online resource for additional instruction and practice with using a problem solving strategy.

Begining Arithmetic Problems

Key Concepts

\(\text{change}=\text{new amount}−\text{original amount}\)

\(\text{change is what percent of the original amount?}\)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Be Prepared 3.1

Before you get started, take this readiness quiz.

Translate “6 less than twice x ” into an algebraic expression. If you missed this problem, review Example 1.26 .

Be Prepared 3.2

Solve: 2 3 x = 24 . 2 3 x = 24 . If you missed this problem, review Example 2.16 .

Solve: 3 x + 8 = 14 . 3 x + 8 = 14 . If you missed this problem, review Example 2.27 .

Approach Word Problems with a Positive Attitude

“If you think you can… or think you can’t… you’re right.”—Henry Ford

The world is full of word problems! Will my income qualify me to rent that apartment? How much punch do I need to make for the party? What size diamond can I afford to buy my girlfriend? Should I fly or drive to my family reunion?

How much money do I need to fill the car with gas? How much tip should I leave at a restaurant? How many socks should I pack for vacation? What size turkey do I need to buy for Thanksgiving dinner, and then what time do I need to put it in the oven? If my sister and I buy our mother a present, how much does each of us pay?

Now that we can solve equations, we are ready to apply our new skills to word problems. Do you know anyone who has had negative experiences in the past with word problems? Have you ever had thoughts like the student below?

A student is shown with thought bubbles saying “I don’t know whether to add, subtract, multiply, or divide!,” “I don’t understand word problems!,” “My teachers never explained this!,” “If I just skip all the word problems, I can probably still pass the class,” and “I just can’t do this!”

When we feel we have no control, and continue repeating negative thoughts, we set up barriers to success. We need to calm our fears and change our negative feelings.

Start with a fresh slate and begin to think positive thoughts. If we take control and believe we can be successful, we will be able to master word problems! Read the positive thoughts in Figure 3.3 and say them out loud.

A student is shown with thought bubbles saying “While word problems were hard in the past, I think I can try them now,” “I am better prepared now. I think I will begin to understand word problems,” “I think I can! I think I can!,” and “It may take time, but I can begin to solve word problems.”

Think of something, outside of school, that you can do now but couldn’t do 3 years ago. Is it driving a car? Snowboarding? Cooking a gourmet meal? Speaking a new language? Your past experiences with word problems happened when you were younger—now you’re older and ready to succeed!

Use a Problem-Solving Strategy for Word Problems

We have reviewed translating English phrases into algebraic expressions, using some basic mathematical vocabulary and symbols. We have also translated English sentences into algebraic equations and solved some word problems. The word problems applied math to everyday situations. We restated the situation in one sentence, assigned a variable, and then wrote an equation to solve the problem. This method works as long as the situation is familiar and the math is not too complicated.

Now, we’ll expand our strategy so we can use it to successfully solve any word problem. We’ll list the strategy here, and then we’ll use it to solve some problems. We summarize below an effective strategy for problem solving.

Use a Problem-Solving Strategy to Solve Word Problems.

Example 3.1

Pilar bought a purse on sale for $18, which is one-half of the original price. What was the original price of the purse?

Step 1. Read the problem. Read the problem two or more times if necessary. Look up any unfamiliar words in a dictionary or on the internet.

In this problem, is it clear what is being discussed? Is every word familiar?

Step 2. Identify what you are looking for. Did you ever go into your bedroom to get something and then forget what you were looking for? It’s hard to find something if you are not sure what it is! Read the problem again and look for words that tell you what you are looking for!

In this problem, the words “what was the original price of the purse” tell us what we need to find.

Step 3. Name what we are looking for. Choose a variable to represent that quantity. We can use any letter for the variable, but choose one that makes it easy to remember what it represents.

Let p = p = the original price of the purse.

Step 4. Translate into an equation. It may be helpful to restate the problem in one sentence with all the important information. Translate the English sentence into an algebraic equation.

Reread the problem carefully to see how the given information is related. Often, there is one sentence that gives this information, or it may help to write one sentence with all the important information. Look for clue words to help translate the sentence into algebra. Translate the sentence into an equation.

Step 5. Solve the equation using good algebraic techniques. Even if you know the solution right away, using good algebraic techniques here will better prepare you to solve problems that do not have obvious answers.

Step 6. Check the answer in the problem to make sure it makes sense. We solved the equation and found that p = 36 , p = 36 , which means “the original price” was $36.

Does $36 make sense in the problem? Yes, because 18 is one-half of 36, and the purse was on sale at half the original price.

Step 7. Answer the question with a complete sentence. The problem asked “What was the original price of the purse?”

The answer to the question is: “The original price of the purse was $36.”

If this were a homework exercise, our work might look like this:

Pilar bought a purse on sale for $18, which is one-half the original price. What was the original price of the purse?

Joaquin bought a bookcase on sale for $120, which was two-thirds of the original price. What was the original price of the bookcase?

Two-fifths of the songs in Mariel’s playlist are country. If there are 16 country songs, what is the total number of songs in the playlist?

Let’s try this approach with another example.

Example 3.2

Ginny and her classmates formed a study group. The number of girls in the study group was three more than twice the number of boys. There were 11 girls in the study group. How many boys were in the study group?

Guillermo bought textbooks and notebooks at the bookstore. The number of textbooks was 3 more than twice the number of notebooks. He bought 7 textbooks. How many notebooks did he buy?

Gerry worked Sudoku puzzles and crossword puzzles this week. The number of Sudoku puzzles he completed is eight more than twice the number of crossword puzzles. He completed 22 Sudoku puzzles. How many crossword puzzles did he do?

Solve Number Problems

Now that we have a problem solving strategy, we will use it on several different types of word problems. The first type we will work on is “number problems.” Number problems give some clues about one or more numbers. We use these clues to write an equation. Number problems don’t usually arise on an everyday basis, but they provide a good introduction to practicing the problem solving strategy outlined above.

Example 3.3

The difference of a number and six is 13. Find the number.

The difference of a number and eight is 17. Find the number.

The difference of a number and eleven is −7 . −7 . Find the number.

Example 3.4

The sum of twice a number and seven is 15. Find the number.

Did you notice that we left out some of the steps as we solved this equation? If you’re not yet ready to leave out these steps, write down as many as you need.

The sum of four times a number and two is 14. Find the number.

The sum of three times a number and seven is 25. Find the number.

Some number word problems ask us to find two or more numbers. It may be tempting to name them all with different variables, but so far we have only solved equations with one variable. In order to avoid using more than one variable, we will define the numbers in terms of the same variable. Be sure to read the problem carefully to discover how all the numbers relate to each other.

Example 3.5

One number is five more than another. The sum of the numbers is 21. Find the numbers.

One number is six more than another. The sum of the numbers is twenty-four. Find the numbers.

Try It 3.10

The sum of two numbers is fifty-eight. One number is four more than the other. Find the numbers.

Example 3.6

The sum of two numbers is negative fourteen. One number is four less than the other. Find the numbers.

Try It 3.11

The sum of two numbers is negative twenty-three. One number is seven less than the other. Find the numbers.

Try It 3.12

The sum of two numbers is −18 . −18 . One number is 40 more than the other. Find the numbers.

Example 3.7

One number is ten more than twice another. Their sum is one. Find the numbers.

Try It 3.13

One number is eight more than twice another. Their sum is negative four. Find the numbers.

Try It 3.14

One number is three more than three times another. Their sum is −5 . −5 . Find the numbers.

Some number problems involve consecutive integers. Consecutive integers are integers that immediately follow each other. Examples of consecutive integers are:

Notice that each number is one more than the number preceding it. So if we define the first integer as n , the next consecutive integer is n + 1 . n + 1 . The one after that is one more than n + 1 , n + 1 , so it is n + 1 + 1 , n + 1 + 1 , which is n + 2 . n + 2 .

Example 3.8

The sum of two consecutive integers is 47. Find the numbers.

Try It 3.15

The sum of two consecutive integers is 95 . 95 . Find the numbers.

Try It 3.16

The sum of two consecutive integers is −31 . −31 . Find the numbers.

Example 3.9

Find three consecutive integers whose sum is −42 . −42 .

Try It 3.17

Find three consecutive integers whose sum is −96 . −96 .

Try It 3.18

Find three consecutive integers whose sum is −36 . −36 .

Now that we have worked with consecutive integers, we will expand our work to include consecutive even integers and consecutive odd integers. Consecutive even integers are even integers that immediately follow one another. Examples of consecutive even integers are:

Notice each integer is 2 more than the number preceding it. If we call the first one n , then the next one is n + 2 . n + 2 . The next one would be n + 2 + 2 n + 2 + 2 or n + 4 . n + 4 .

Consecutive odd integers are odd integers that immediately follow one another. Consider the consecutive odd integers 77, 79, and 81.

Does it seem strange to add 2 (an even number) to get from one odd integer to the next? Do you get an odd number or an even number when we add 2 to 3? to 11? to 47?

Whether the problem asks for consecutive even numbers or odd numbers, you don’t have to do anything different. The pattern is still the same—to get from one odd or one even integer to the next, add 2.

Example 3.10

Find three consecutive even integers whose sum is 84.

Try It 3.19

Find three consecutive even integers whose sum is 102.

Try It 3.20

Find three consecutive even integers whose sum is −24 . −24 .

Example 3.11

A married couple together earns $110,000 a year. The wife earns $16,000 less than twice what her husband earns. What does the husband earn?

Try It 3.21

According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, the average cost of a car in 2014 was $28,500. This was $1,500 less than 6 times the cost in 1975. What was the average cost of a car in 1975?

Try It 3.22

U.S. Census data shows that the median price of new home in the United States in November 2014 was $280,900. This was $10,700 more than 14 times the price in November 1964. What was the median price of a new home in November 1964?

Section 3.1 Exercises

Practice makes perfect.

Use the Approach Word Problems with a Positive Attitude

In the following exercises, prepare the lists described.

List five positive thoughts you can say to yourself that will help you approach word problems with a positive attitude. You may want to copy them on a sheet of paper and put it in the front of your notebook, where you can read them often.

List five negative thoughts that you have said to yourself in the past that will hinder your progress on word problems. You may want to write each one on a small piece of paper and rip it up to symbolically destroy the negative thoughts.

In the following exercises, solve using the problem solving strategy for word problems. Remember to write a complete sentence to answer each question.

Two-thirds of the children in the fourth-grade class are girls. If there are 20 girls, what is the total number of children in the class?

Three-fifths of the members of the school choir are women. If there are 24 women, what is the total number of choir members?

Zachary has 25 country music CDs, which is one-fifth of his CD collection. How many CDs does Zachary have?

One-fourth of the candies in a bag of M&M’s are red. If there are 23 red candies, how many candies are in the bag?

There are 16 girls in a school club. The number of girls is four more than twice the number of boys. Find the number of boys.

There are 18 Cub Scouts in Pack 645. The number of scouts is three more than five times the number of adult leaders. Find the number of adult leaders.

Huong is organizing paperback and hardback books for her club’s used book sale. The number of paperbacks is 12 less than three times the number of hardbacks. Huong had 162 paperbacks. How many hardback books were there?

Jeff is lining up children’s and adult bicycles at the bike shop where he works. The number of children’s bicycles is nine less than three times the number of adult bicycles. There are 42 adult bicycles. How many children’s bicycles are there?

Philip pays $1,620 in rent every month. This amount is $120 more than twice what his brother Paul pays for rent. How much does Paul pay for rent?

Marc just bought an SUV for $54,000. This is $7,400 less than twice what his wife paid for her car last year. How much did his wife pay for her car?

Laurie has $46,000 invested in stocks and bonds. The amount invested in stocks is $8,000 less than three times the amount invested in bonds. How much does Laurie have invested in bonds?

Erica earned a total of $50,450 last year from her two jobs. The amount she earned from her job at the store was $1,250 more than three times the amount she earned from her job at the college. How much did she earn from her job at the college?

In the following exercises, solve each number word problem.

The sum of a number and eight is 12. Find the number.

The sum of a number and nine is 17. Find the number.

The difference of a number and 12 is three. Find the number.

The difference of a number and eight is four. Find the number.

The sum of three times a number and eight is 23. Find the number.

The sum of twice a number and six is 14. Find the number.

The difference of twice a number and seven is 17. Find the number.

The difference of four times a number and seven is 21. Find the number.

Three times the sum of a number and nine is 12. Find the number.

Six times the sum of a number and eight is 30. Find the number.

One number is six more than the other. Their sum is 42. Find the numbers.

One number is five more than the other. Their sum is 33. Find the numbers.

The sum of two numbers is 20. One number is four less than the other. Find the numbers.

The sum of two numbers is 27. One number is seven less than the other. Find the numbers.

The sum of two numbers is −45 . −45 . One number is nine more than the other. Find the numbers.

The sum of two numbers is −61 . −61 . One number is 35 more than the other. Find the numbers.

The sum of two numbers is −316 . −316 . One number is 94 less than the other. Find the numbers.

The sum of two numbers is −284 . −284 . One number is 62 less than the other. Find the numbers.

One number is 14 less than another. If their sum is increased by seven, the result is 85. Find the numbers.

One number is 11 less than another. If their sum is increased by eight, the result is 71. Find the numbers.

One number is five more than another. If their sum is increased by nine, the result is 60. Find the numbers.

One number is eight more than another. If their sum is increased by 17, the result is 95. Find the numbers.

One number is one more than twice another. Their sum is −5 . −5 . Find the numbers.

One number is six more than five times another. Their sum is six. Find the numbers.

The sum of two numbers is 14. One number is two less than three times the other. Find the numbers.

The sum of two numbers is zero. One number is nine less than twice the other. Find the numbers.

The sum of two consecutive integers is 77. Find the integers.

The sum of two consecutive integers is 89. Find the integers.

The sum of two consecutive integers is −23 . −23 . Find the integers.

The sum of two consecutive integers is −37 . −37 . Find the integers.

The sum of three consecutive integers is 78. Find the integers.

The sum of three consecutive integers is 60. Find the integers.

Find three consecutive integers whose sum is −3 . −3 .

Find three consecutive even integers whose sum is 258.

Find three consecutive even integers whose sum is 222.

Find three consecutive odd integers whose sum is 171.

Find three consecutive odd integers whose sum is 291.

Find three consecutive even integers whose sum is −36 . −36 .

Find three consecutive even integers whose sum is −84 . −84 .

Find three consecutive odd integers whose sum is −213 . −213 .

Find three consecutive odd integers whose sum is −267 . −267 .

Everyday Math

Sale Price Patty paid $35 for a purse on sale for $10 off the original price. What was the original price of the purse?

Sale Price Travis bought a pair of boots on sale for $25 off the original price. He paid $60 for the boots. What was the original price of the boots?

Buying in Bulk Minh spent $6.25 on five sticker books to give his nephews. Find the cost of each sticker book.

Buying in Bulk Alicia bought a package of eight peaches for $3.20. Find the cost of each peach.

Price before Sales Tax Tom paid $1,166.40 for a new refrigerator, including $86.40 tax. What was the price of the refrigerator?

Price before Sales Tax Kenji paid $2,279 for a new living room set, including $129 tax. What was the price of the living room set?

Writing Exercises

What has been your past experience solving word problems?

When you start to solve a word problem, how do you decide what to let the variable represent?

What are consecutive odd integers? Name three consecutive odd integers between 50 and 60.

What are consecutive even integers? Name three consecutive even integers between −50 −50 and −40 . −40 .

ⓐ After completing the exercises, use this checklist to evaluate your mastery of the objectives of this section.

This is a table that has four rows and four columns. In the first row, which is a header row, the cells read from left to right “I can…,” “Confidently,” “With some help,” and “No-I don’t get it!” The first column below “I can…” reads “approach word problems with a positive attitude,” use a problem solving strategy for word problems,” and “solve number problems.” The rest of the cells are blank

ⓑ If most of your checks were:

…confidently. Congratulations! You have achieved your goals in this section! Reflect on the study skills you used so that you can continue to use them. What did you do to become confident of your ability to do these things? Be specific!

…with some help. This must be addressed quickly as topics you do not master become potholes in your road to success. Math is sequential—every topic builds upon previous work. It is important to make sure you have a strong foundation before you move on. Whom can you ask for help? Your fellow classmates and instructor are good resources. Is there a place on campus where math tutors are available? Can your study skills be improved?

…no—I don’t get it! This is critical and you must not ignore it. You need to get help immediately or you will quickly be overwhelmed. See your instructor as soon as possible to discuss your situation. Together you can come up with a plan to get you the help you need.

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Math Problem Solving Strategies

In these lessons, we will learn some math problem solving strategies for example, Verbal Model (or Logical Reasoning), Algebraic Model, Block Model (or Singapore Math), Guess & Check Model and Find a Pattern Model.

Related Pages Solving Word Problems Using Block Models Heuristic Approach to Problem-Solving Algebra Lessons

Problem Solving Strategies

The strategies used in solving word problems:

Solution Strategies Label Variables Verbal Model or Logical Reasoning Algebraic Model - Translate Verbal Model to Algebraic Model Solve and Check.

Solving Word Problems

Step 1: Identify (What is being asked?) Step 2: Strategize Step 3: Write the equation(s) Step 4: Answer the question Step 5: Check

Problem Solving Strategy: Guess And Check

Using the guess and check problem solving strategy to help solve math word problems.

Example: Jamie spent $40 for an outfit. She paid for the items using $10, $5 and $1 bills. If she gave the clerk 10 bills in all, how many of each bill did she use?

Problem Solving : Make A Table And Look For A Pattern

Example: Marcus ran a lemonade stand for 5 days. On the first day, he made $5. Every day after that he made $2 more than the previous day. How much money did Marcus made in all after 5 days?

Find A Pattern Model (Intermediate)

In this lesson, we will look at some intermediate examples of Find a Pattern method of problem-solving strategy.

Example: The figure shows a series of rectangles where each rectangle is bounded by 10 dots. a) How many dots are required for 7 rectangles? b) If the figure has 73 dots, how many rectangles would there be?

a) The number of dots required for 7 rectangles is 52.

b) If the figure has 73 dots, there would be 10 rectangles.

Example: Each triangle in the figure below has 3 dots. Study the pattern and find the number of dots for 7 layers of triangles.

The number of dots for 7 layers of triangles is 36.

Example: The table below shows numbers placed into groups I, II, III, IV, V and VI. In which groups would the following numbers belong? a) 25 b) 46 c) 269

Solution: The pattern is: The remainder when the number is divided by 6 determines the group. a) 25 ÷ 6 = 4 remainder 1 (Group I) b) 46 ÷ 6 = 7 remainder 4 (Group IV) c) 269 ÷ 6 = 44 remainder 5 (Group V)

Example: The following figures were formed using matchsticks.

a) Based on the above series of figures, complete the table below.

b) How many triangles are there if the figure in the series has 9 squares?

c) How many matchsticks would be used in the figure in the series with 11 squares?

b) The pattern is +2 for each additional square. 18 + 2 = 20 If the figure in the series has 9 squares, there would be 20 triangles.

c) The pattern is + 7 for each additional square 61 + (3 x 7) = 82 If the figure in the series has 11 squares, there would be 82 matchsticks.

Example: Seven ex-schoolmates had a gathering. Each one of them shook hands with all others once. How many handshakes were there?

Total = 6 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 21 handshakes.

The following video shows more examples of using problem solving strategies and models. Question 1: Approximate your average speed given some information Question 2: The table shows the number of seats in each of the first four rows in an auditorium. The remaining ten rows follow the same pattern. Find the number of seats in the last row. Question 3: You are hanging three pictures in the wall of your home that is 16 feet wide. The width of your pictures are 2, 3 and 4 feet. You want space between your pictures to be the same and the space to the left and right to be 6 inches more than between the pictures. How would you place the pictures?

The following are some other examples of problem solving strategies.

Explore it/Act it/Try it (EAT) Method (Basic) Explore it/Act it/Try it (EAT) Method (Intermediate) Explore it/Act it/Try it (EAT) Method (Advanced)

Finding A Pattern (Basic) Finding A Pattern (Intermediate) Finding A Pattern (Advanced)

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Maneuvering the Middle

Student-Centered Math Lessons

Math Problem Solving Strategies

algebra strategies for problem solving

How many times have you been teaching a concept that students are feeling confident in, only for them to completely shut down when faced with a word problem? For me, the answer is too many to count. Word problems require problem solving strategies. And more than anything, word problems require decoding, eliminating extra information, and opportunities for students to solve for something that the question is not asking for. There are so many places for students to make errors! Let’s talk about some problem solving strategies that can help guide and encourage students!

Grab your Problem Solving Strategy Freebie Here !

Update for 2020: Scroll down to the bottom to read how we address showing your work during distance learning.

Problem solving strategies are a must teach skill. Today I analyze strategies that I have tried and introduce the strategy I plan to use this school year. | maneuveringthemiddle.com

1. C.U.B.E.S.

C.U.B.E.S stands for circle the important numbers, underline the question, box the words that are keywords, eliminate extra information, and solve by showing work.

2. R.U.N.S.

R.U.N.S. stands for read the problem, underline the question, name the problem type, and write a strategy sentence.

3. U.P.S. CHECK

U.P.S. Check stands for understand, plan, solve, and check.

4. Maneuvering the Middle Strategy AKA K.N.O.W.S.

Here is the strategy that I adopted a few years ago. It doesn’t have a name yet nor an acronym, (so can it even be considered a strategy…?)

UPDATE: IT DOES HAVE A NAME! Thanks to our lovely readers, Wendi and Natalie!

Problem solving strategies are a must teach skill. Today I analyze strategies that I have tried and introduce the strategy I plan to use this school year. | maneuveringthemiddle.com

Here is where I typically struggle with problem solving strategies: 1) modeling the strategy in my own teaching weeks after I have taught students to use the strategy and 2) enforcing students to do it. So… basically everything. This might be why I haven’t been able to stick with a strategy from year to year.

5. Digital Learning Struggle

Many teachers are facing how to have students show their work or their problem solving strategy when tasked with submitting work online. Platforms like Kami make this possible. Go Formative has a feature where students can use their mouse to “draw” their work. If your students don’t have access to a touchscreen, then ha ving them submit images of their work might be your best bet. To simplify this process, I would recommend asking students to submit an image for all of their work — not individual problems. We do not want to create additional barriers for students.

If you want to spend your energy teaching student problem solving instead of writing and finding math problems, look no further than our All Access membership . Click the button to learn more.

algebra strategies for problem solving

Students who plan succeed at a higher rate than students who do not plan. Do you have a go to problem solving strategy that you teach your students?

Problem solving strategies are a must teach skill. Today I analyze strategies that I have tried and introduce the strategy I plan to use this school year. | maneuveringthemiddle.com

Editor’s Note: Maneuvering the Middle has been publishing blog posts for nearly 6 years! This post was originally published in September of 2017. It has been revamped for relevancy and accuracy.

algebra strategies for problem solving

Printable and Digital Math Performance Tasks

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6th Grade Project: Rational Numbers

Reader Interactions

October 4, 2017 at 7:55 pm

As a reading specialist, I love your strategy. It’s flexible, “portable” for any problem, and DOES get kids to read and understand the problem by 1) summarizing what they know and 2) asking a question for what they don’t yet know — two key comprehension strategies! How about: “Make a Plan for the Problem”? That’s the core of your rationale for using it, and I bet you’re already saying this all the time in class. Kids will get it even more because it’s a statement, not an acronym to remember. This is coming to my reading class tomorrow with word problems — thank you!

October 4, 2017 at 8:59 pm

Hi Nora! I have never thought about this as a reading strategy, genius! Please let me know how it goes. I would love to hear more!

December 15, 2017 at 7:57 am

Hi! I am a middle school teacher in New York state and my district is “gung ho” on CUBES. I completely agree with you that kids are not really reading the problem when using CUBES and only circling and boxing stuff then “doing something” with it without regard for whether or not they are doing the right thing (just a shot in the dark!). I have adopted what I call a “no fear word problems” procedure because several of my students told me they are scared of word problems and I thought, “let’s take the scary out of it then by figuring out how to dissect it and attack it! Our class strategy is nearly identical to your strategy:

1. Pre-Read the problem (do so at your normal reading speed just so you basically know what it says) 2. Active Read: Make a short list of: DK (what I Definitely Know), TK (what I Think I Know and should do), and WK (what I Want to Know– what is the question?) 3. Draw and Solve 4. State the answer in a complete sentence.

This procedure keep kids for “surfacely” reading and just trying something that doesn’t make sense with the context and implications of the word problem. I adapted some of it from Harvey Silver strategies (from Strategic Teacher) and incorporated the “Read-Draw-Write” component of the Eureka Math program. One thing that Harvey Silver says is, “Unlike other problems in math, word problems combine quantitative problem solving with inferential reading, and this combination can bring out the impulsive side in students.” (The Strategic Teacher, page 90, Silver, et al.; 2007). I found that CUBES perpetuates the impulsive side of middle school students, especially when the math seems particularly difficult. Math word problems are packed full of words and every word means something to about the intent and the mathematics in the problem, especially in middle school and high school. Reading has to be done both at the literal and inferential levels to actually correctly determine what needs to be done and execute the proper mathematics. So far this method is going really well with my students and they are experiencing higher levels of confidence and greater success in solving.

October 5, 2017 at 6:27 am

Hi! Another teacher and I came up with a strategy we call RUBY a few years ago. We modeled this very closely after close reading strategies that are language arts department was using, but tailored it to math. R-Read the problem (I tell kids to do this without a pencil in hand otherwise they are tempted to start underlining and circling before they read) U-Underline key words and circle important numbers B-Box the questions (I always have student’s box their answer so we figured this was a way for them to relate the question and answer) Y-You ask yourself: Did you answer the question? Does your answer make sense (mathematically)

I have anchor charts that we have made for classrooms and interactive notebooks if you would like them let me me know….

October 5, 2017 at 9:46 am

Great idea! Thanks so much for sharing with our readers!

October 8, 2017 at 6:51 pm

LOVE this idea! Will definitely use it this year! Thank you!

December 18, 2019 at 7:48 am

I would love an anchor chart for RUBY

October 15, 2017 at 11:05 am

I will definitely use this concept in my Pre-Algebra classes this year; I especially like the graphic organizer to help students organize their thought process in solving the problems too.

April 20, 2018 at 7:36 am

I love the process you’ve come up with, and think it definitely balances the benefits of simplicity and thoroughness. At the risk of sounding nitpicky, I want to point out that the examples you provide are all ‘processes’ rather than strategies. For the most part, they are all based on the Polya’s, the Hungarian mathematician, 4-step approach to problem solving (Understand/Plan/Solve/Reflect). It’s a process because it defines the steps we take to approach any word problem without getting into the specific mathematical ‘strategy’ we will use to solve it. Step 2 of the process is where they choose the best strategy (guess and check, draw a picture, make a table, etc) for the given problem. We should start by teaching the strategies one at a time by choosing problems that fit that strategy. Eventually, once they have added multiple strategies to their toolkit, we can present them with problems and let them choose the right strategy.

June 22, 2018 at 12:19 pm

That’s brilliant! Thank you for sharing!

May 31, 2018 at 12:15 pm

Mrs. Brack is setting up her second Christmas tree. Her tree consists of 30% red and 70% gold ornaments. If there are 40 red ornaments, then how many ornaments are on the tree? What is the answer to this question?

June 22, 2018 at 10:46 am

Whoops! I guess the answer would not result in a whole number (133.333…) Thanks for catching that error.

July 28, 2018 at 6:53 pm

I used to teach elementary math and now I run my own learning center, and we teach a lot of middle school math. The strategy you outlined sounds a little like the strategy I use, called KFCS (like the fast-food restaurant). K stands for “What do I know,” F stands for “What do I need to Find,” C stands for “Come up with a plan” [which includes 2 parts: the operation (+, -, x, and /) and the problem-solving strategy], and lastly, the S stands for “solve the problem” (which includes all the work that is involved in solving the problem and the answer statement). I find the same struggles with being consistent with modeling clearly all of the parts of the strategy as well, but I’ve found that the more the student practices the strategy, the more intrinsic it becomes for them; of course, it takes a lot more for those students who struggle with understanding word problems. I did create a worksheet to make it easier for the students to follow the steps as well. If you’d like a copy, please let me know, and I will be glad to send it.

February 3, 2019 at 3:56 pm

This is a supportive and encouraging site. Several of the comments and post are spot on! Especially, the “What I like/don’t like” comparisons.

March 7, 2019 at 6:59 am

Have you named your unnamed strategy yet? I’ve been using this strategy for years. I think you should call it K.N.O.W.S. K – Know N – Need OW – (Organise) Plan and Work S – Solution

September 2, 2019 at 11:18 am

Going off of your idea, Natalie, how about the following?

K now N eed to find out O rganize (a plan – may involve a picture, a graphic organizer…) W ork S ee if you’re right (does it make sense, is the math done correctly…)

I love the K & N steps…so much more tangible than just “Read” or even “Understand,” as I’ve been seeing is most common in the processes I’ve been researching. I like separating the “Work” and “See” steps. I feel like just “Solve” May lead to forgetting the checking step.

March 16, 2020 at 4:44 pm

I’m doing this one. Love it. Thank you!!

September 17, 2019 at 7:14 am

Hi, I wanted to tell you how amazing and kind you are to share with all of us. I especially like your word problem graphic organizer that you created yourself! I am adopting it this week. We have a meeting with all administrators to discuss algebra. I am going to share with all the people at the meeting.

I had filled out the paperwork for the number line. Is it supposed to go to my email address? Thank you again. I am going to read everything you ahve given to us. Have a wonderful Tuesday!

$algebra strategies for problem solving$

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COMMENTS

Algebraic Problem Solving Strategies
Problem-Solving Strategy · Read the word problem. Make sure you understand all the words and ideas. · Identify what you are looking for. · Name what you are
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https://www.youtube.com/@MathematicsTutor Register for Summer Math Classes with Anil
Teaching Strategies for Improving Algebra Knowledge in Middle and
Use solved problems to engage students in analyzing algebraic reasoning and strategies. Compared to elementary mathematics work like arithmetic, solving algebra
2.2 Use a Problem Solving Strategy
Now that we can solve equations, we are ready to apply our new skills to word problems. We will develop a strategy we can use to solve any
3.1 Use a Problem-Solving Strategy
Use a Problem-Solving Strategy for Word Problems. We have reviewed translating English phrases into algebraic expressions, using some basic
3.8 Problem Solving Strategies: Use a Formula
Understand the problem; Devise a plan – Translate; Carry out the plan – Solve; Look – Check and Interpret. Review Questions. Use the information
Problem-Solving Strategies: Guess and Check, Work Backward
Plan and Compare Alternative Approaches to Solving Problems · Step 1: Understand · Step 2: Strategy · Step 3: Apply strategy/Solve · Step 4: Check.
Math Problem Solving Strategies (video lessons, examples and
Problem Solving : Make A Table And Look For A Pattern · Identify - What is the question? · Plan - What strategy will I use to solve the problem? · Solve - Carry
Math Problem Solving Strategies
Here is where I typically struggle with problem solving strategies: 1) modeling the strategy in my own teaching weeks after I have taught