problem. Next, decide what you are being asked to find. This step
is called thegoal.
Step 2. Select a strategy to solve the problem.There are many ways to
solve word problems. You may be able to use one of the basic
operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or
division. You may be able to use an equation or formula. You
may even be able to solve a given problem by trial or error. This
step will be calledstrategy.
Step 3. Carry out the strategy.Perform the operation, solve the equation,
etc., and get the solution. If one strategy doesn’t work, try
another one. This step will be calledimplementation.
Step 4. Evaluate the answer.This means to check your answer if possible.
Another way to evaluate your answer is to see if it is reasonable.
Finally, you can useestimationas a way to check your answer.
This step will be calledevaluation.
When you think about the four steps, they apply to many situations that
you may encounter in life. For example, suppose that you play basketball.
Thegoalis to get the basketball into the hoop. Thestrategyis to select a way
to make a basket. You can use any one of several methods, such as a jump
shot, a layup, a one-handed push shot, or a slam-dunk. The strategy that you
use will depend on the situation. After you decide on the type of shot to try,
youimplementthe shot. Finally, youevaluatethe action. Did you make the
basket? Good for you! Did you miss it? What went wrong? Can you improve
on the next shot?
Now let’s see how this procedure applies to a mathematical problem.
EXAMPLE:Find the next two numbers in the sequence10 8 11 9 12 10 13 _____ _____SOLUTION:GOAL: You are asked to find the next two numbers in the sequence.STRATEGY: Here you can use a strategy called ‘‘find a pattern.’’ Ask
yourself, ‘‘What’s being done to one number to get the next number in the
sequence?’’ In this case, to get from 10 to 8, you can subtract 2. But to get
from 8 to 11, you need to add 3. So perhaps it is necessary to do two different
things.2 LESSON 1 Introduction