When looking at 'word' problems
Problem solving can be a tricky process. Here are a few points that might help you when tackling a problem.
Let's look at an example of a question applying some of the problem solving ideas above.
Lachlan is four years older than Quiana. Twice Lachlan's age plus four times Quiana's age is 26. What are their ages?
Problem Solve:
Lachlan is four years older than Quiana. Twice Lachlan's age plus four times Quiana's age is 26. What are their ages?
So I know that Lachlan is older, (by 4 years)
And I know that 2 x Lachlans age + 4 times Quiana's age = 26. I'm going to be systematic, but use a guess and check method.
Lachlan | Quiana | $2\times\text{Lachlan }+4\times\text{Quiana }$2×Lachlan +4×Quiana | Check |
---|---|---|---|
$5$5 | $1$1 | $2\times5+4\times1=14$2×5+4×1=14 | not enough |
$6$6 | $2$2 | $2\times6+4\times2=20$2×6+4×2=20 | still not enough, but getting closer |
$7$7 | $3$3 | $2\times7+4\times3=26$2×7+4×3=26 | Perfect - this is what we need! |
So Lachlan is $7$7 and Quiana is $3$3.
What number between $36$36 and $43$43 is not even, is not a multiple of $7$7 but is a multiple of $3$3?
Today is Friday. Yesterday was $4$4 days after the day before my birthday. What day was my birthday?
Tuesday
Friday
Wednesday
Monday