Word Problems

Dear all,

Today, we focused on the use of the heuristic skill of 'Guess and Check' to solve word problems. Before you attempt the word problems, you first need to understand the problem through highlighting of key words and jotting down notes/pointers. Be accurate in what you are trying to find. Take note of the units of measurement.

Then, we work out a heuristic (skill) to solve the word problem. Should we use the model method? Should we use the making assumptions method? Do we use Guess and Check? In today's lesson, we focused on using 'Guess and Check' when there are a series of unknown variables.

You need to be precise with your guess and check table and always have a last column to indicate 'Check'.

Establish a pattern for your guesses in order to help you to make correct guesses and eventually to solve the question.

Homework:
PTS Worksheet 2

Also, I listed some important points of solving word problems today.

the units of measurement for minutes is min, NOT m.
m represents metres.

Take note of the importance of the symbol = and -->
= equals to
--> represents

We cannot say that 10 min = 20ml because this is not logical. 10 min is 10 minutes and how can 10 minutes be equal to 20ml. We use the arrow sign to say that 10 min --> 20ml because 10 minutes represents the amount of water being lost and in this cause, it is 20ml. Do take note of this.

Always check for your NUMBER STATEMENT (Units of measurement must be present!), WORD STATEMENT and answer in the answer line if there is one.

Strive to be accurate and careful.

Sincerely,
Mr Nelson Ong