Chapter 2.

2 - An
Introduction to
Problem Solving

Intermediate
Algebra

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 Strategy for Problem Solving

General Strategy for Problem Solving

1. UNDERSTAND the problem.
o Read and reread the problem.
o Construct a drawing.
o Choose a variable to represent the unknown.

2. TRANSLATE the problem into an equation.

3. SOLVE the equation.

4. INTERPRET the result:

o Check proposed solution in problem.
o State your conclusion.
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 Problem
Solving
Strategies

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 Example
Hertz car rental agency is renting a Buick
Century for $24.95 per day and $0.29 per
mile. If you rent this car for 2 days, how many
whole miles can you drive on a $100 budget?

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 Percentages
1. Find 20% of 80.

Percent = per cent = out of 100

50%= 50 out of 100 = 50/100 = 0.50
22% = 22 out of 100 = 22/100 = 0.22

2. PlayStation is having a 15% off sale on the new PS5 for VIP
members. The PS5 retails for $499.49. How much will you pay
for the PS5?
Determine the perimeter (the sum of all sides)
of a triangle with sides of length 4, 12, and 9.

4 9

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Determine the perimeter (the sum of all sides)
of a triangle with sides of length x, 2x +1, and
4x.

x 4x

2x + 1
Find the length of the sides of the triangle when
its perimeter is 29m.

x 4x

2x + 1
 Consecutive Numbers
• Consecutive Integers

• Consecutive Even Integers

• Consecutive Odd Integers

 Example
The sum of three consecutive even integers is 66. Find the integers.
x = the first even integer
x + 2 = the second even integer
x + 4 = the third even integer
 Group Practice
Activity –
Clicker
Questions

https://forms.gle/nE1Wzsc73BEhSNQP9

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 What did you learn today?
Write a mathematical problem?
What is the solution to your problem?

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mebVZtBJv2zbkXlN
9bYEQo-MwbLc6oeur06Bw5vSmRI/edit?usp=sharing
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