If you choose to tackle the problem, look for the fastest method.
EXAMPLEImagine a dialogue between Jenna and Amy:
Jenna:This is an easy problem. If my age is x, then your age, Amy, is x − 3 because you’re three years younger than me.
Therefore, in four years, you’ll be (x − 3) + 4 or x + 1.
Amy: You may be right, but there’s a much easier way to figure it out. Let’s say you’re 10 years old now. That makes me 7
because I’m three years younger. In four years, I’ll be 11. Now let’s just substitute your age, 10, for x in all the answer
choices and see which answer gives us 11. Once you try all the answers, you see that only choice (C), x + 1, works.
Jenna:That’s so much extra work. Why not just do the algebra?
Amy: Shut up, algebra head, I’ll do it my own way.Before this degenerates any further, let’s get to the point: Know your strengths and make decisions about how to approach math
problems accordingly!
Some people “get” algebra. Some people have a harder time with it. The same is true for geometry, word problems, and so on.
There is often more than one way to do a particular problem. The “best” method is the method that will get you the correct answer
accurately and quickly.
The lesson here is that you have to know your own strengths. Again, in case you missed the point, know your strengths and use them
to your advantage.
53. Jenna is now x years old, and Amy is 3 years younger than Jenna. In terms of x, how old will Amy be in 4 years?A. x − 1
B. x
C. x + 1
D. x + 4
E. 2 x + 1