Week 3, Day 2 - Chapter 17: Problem Solving (Word Problems)

Chapter 17: Problem Solving

Word problems occur in several general mathematics categories:

·       Algebra

·       Arithmetic

·       Number properties

·       Geometry

·       Probability

·       Statistics

These may have any of the three answer choice possibilities:

·       Numerical entry (single box = whole number or decimal value; one box above another = fraction) – use “Transfer Display” button on calculator to enter a numerical answer from your calculator, and use the hyphen “-“ for negative numbers

·       Single answer multiple choice (circles/ovals)

·       Select all that apply (boxes) – may have only one answer, may have more than one answer

 

Kaplan Method

1. Analyze the question – read the question and all answer choices

            - what area of math is being tested?

            - note trends in answer choices

2. Identify the task

            - what is the question asking?

            - what does a correct answer represent?

            - wrong answers are often the right answer to the wrong question!

3. Approach strategically

            - memorizations

            - backsolving

            - picking numbers (FROZEN = fractions, repeats, ones, zero, extremes, negatives)

            - strategic guessing (PoE)

4. Confirm your answer

            - check your calculations

            - check the wording of the question


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