Problem Solving Strategies

Trial and Error

Read
Read the problem.
Grandpa bought his grandchildren ice-creams and drinks. Drinks
cost $3.50, ice-creams cost $4.50.
He spent $25. How many of each did he buy?

Plan
Underline the main information.
Drinks cost $3.50, ice-creams cost $4.50.
How many of each?

Work
Make a guess – check it
3 × $3.50 and 3 × $4.50 = $28 too big
Make another smaller guess – check it.
2 × $3.50 and 2 × $4.50 = $16 too small
Make a guess in the middle – check it.
2 × $3.50 and 4 × $4.50 = $25 – just right!
Answer = 2 drinks and 4 ice-creams

Check
Reread the problem.
Have you answered the question?
Is it reasonable?

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