TASK

  Are you ready to tackle a math problem with confidence?  Do you get confused about how to solve problems?  Do you know the problem-solving strategies that help when you encounter a new problem?

  Problem-solving can be a difficult concept for math learners.   However, having many strategies and lots of practice with these strategies can improve your chances for finding correct solutions to some of the most difficult problems.   Problem solving strategies include:  guess and check, working backwards, drawing a picture or diagram, solving a similar problem, looking for patterns, logical reasoning, and estimating.

Throughout this unit, you will be given opportunities to explore real-life problems and apply many strategies at the same time.   First, you will learn about patterns so that you can organize data.     

Next, you will use tables, lists, diagrams, and graphs to help solve problems. 

 Then, you will determine the most appropriate operation for a series of problems and begin to practice solving multi-step problems.  You may need to use some logical reasoning to help identify the information you'll need most to solve these problems.  Be ready to allow your mind to expand and brainstorm for this section. 

 Finally, you will practice using the work backward and solve a simpler problem strategies to determine the most appropriate solution to a problem. 

As a final project, you will be asked to construct a PowerPoint slide show describing five original problems you've developed.

Remember that problem-solving may take lots of time and patience, as well as plenty of scrap paper for working out the problems.    

 Good luck!