EVALUATION: Putting the two sequences together, you get
ZBYDXFWHVJ.
Now, you can try a few to see if you understand the problem-solving
procedure. Be sure to use all four steps.
Try These
Find the next two numbers or letters in each sequence.
- 5 15 45 135 405
- 3 6 7 14 15 30 31
- 128 64 32 16 8
- 4 9 7 12 10 15 13
- 1 A 3 C 5 E 7 G
SOLUTIONS:
- 1215 and 3645. The next number is 3 times the previous number.
- 62 and 63. Multiply by 2. Add 1. Repeat.
- 4 and 2. Divide the preceding number by 2 to get the next number.
- 18 and 16. Add 5. Subtract 2. Repeat.
- 9 and I. Use the odd numbers 1, 3, 5, etc., and every other letter of the
alphabet, A, C, E, G, etc.
Well, how did you do? You have just had an introduction to systematic
problem solving. The remainder of this book is divided into three parts. Part
I explains how to solve problems in arithmetic and prealgebra. Part II
explains how to solve problems in introductory and intermediate algebra
and geometry. Part III explains how to solve problems using some general
problem-solving strategies such as ‘‘Draw a picture,’’ ‘‘Work backwards,’’
etc., and how to solve problems in probability and statistics. After success-
fully completing this book, you will be well along the way to becoming a
competent word-problem solver.
LESSON 1 Introduction 5