Problem Solving Strategies

Draw a Diagram
Read
Read the problem.
Every friend in the Garage Gang agrees to
discuss the party plans with every other friend.
There are 5 friends.
How many discussions will there be?

Plan
Choose what kind of diagram to draw.
Underline the main information.
There are 5 friends.

Draw
Draw the first part.
Draw the friends using symbols in a circle.

Answer
Do the working with more drawing.
Count the lines you draw for the discussions.
Answer: There will be 10 discussions.

Check
Read the problem again.
Describe what you did.
Did you answer the question?
Is the answer reasonable?

Australian Curriculum Targeting Maths Teacher Guide Year 6 • 978-1-7421-57085 xv