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Read the problem. Identify the operation used. Use inverse operations to work backwards to the problem’s beginning
Work Backwards
Take a guess at a problem’s answer and check it. If you’re not correct, adjust your guess and try again.
Guess and Check
When a problem contains unnecessary information, you must read the question carefully to determine what data is needed to solve the problem.
Extra Information
Decide how you get from one number to the next number in a pattern. Then see if this rule works for the rest of the pattern.
Look for a Pattern
Make an organized list when you need to show all the possible solutions
Make an Organized List
Create a table, chart, or graph when you need to keep track of information to see how it changes
Make a Table
When several facts must work together to make a solution, use thinking skills to help you solve the problem
Use Logical Reasoning
Two differences between critical thinking and problem solving?
Problem Solving has 4 steps and critical thinking has 4.
Problem Solving looks back and reflects on the solution.
What are the four steps of problem solving?
1) Understand and explore the problem
2) Find a strategy
3) Use the strategy to solve the problem
4) Look back and reflect on the solution
What is the first step of critical thinking?
Observation
What is the last step of critical thinking?
Decision-Making
What is the 2nd step of critical thinking?
Analysis
Tonya and Lauren are designing a soccer uniform. They want to use two colors on the shirt. Their choices are green, yellow, purple, and blue. The way the colors are placed on the shirt does matter. How many ways can they choose two colors
12
How many hours will a car traveling at 80 miles per hour take to catch up with a car traveling at 55 miles per hour if the slower car starts one hour before the faster car?
Between 3 and 4 hours
Sarah is going on a camping trip. She needed to buy some supplies. She bought 3 items. The items totaled $65.50. What three items did she buy?Sleeping Bag $32.50
Canteen $11.00
Flashlight $9.73
Tent $60.60
Lantern $10.40
Cooler $22.00
Find a three-letter solution.
SAD (0)
PIG (2)
JOB (1)
DIN (1)
BEG (2)
BIG
Andrew took a handful of change out of his pocket and noticed that he was only holding nickels, dimes, and quarters in his hand. He counted and found that he had 10 coins that amounted to $1.00. How many nickels, dimes, and quarters does Andrew have?
2 Quarters
6 Nickels
2 Dimes
You need to pick from two different pairs of shoes to buy. What observations can you make?
Answers will vary.
Think carefully about the information you gathered in the observation
How do scientists and mathematicians use problem solving?
Look back and reflect on the solution to compare answers to see if their experiements are reliable and accurate.