• A problem is a doubtful or difficult question; a
matter of inquiry, discussion, or thought; a question
that exercises the mind (Oxford English Dictionary)
• A problem is a situation or task for which
a. the person wants or needs to find a solution
b. the person does not have a solution for the
problem right at that moment
c. the person makes an attempt to find the solution
• Our ideas:
Ron’s Recycle Shop was started when Ron bought
a used paper-shredding machine. Business was
good so Ron bought a new shredding machine. The
first machine could shred a truckload of paper in
4 hours. The new machine could shred the same
truckload of paper in half the time.
How long will it take to shred a truckload of
paper if Ron runs both shredders at the same
time?
Stuck?
Are you overlooking anything? Do the two machines
work simultaneously? Do they run just as fast when
working together as when they work alone?
Have you tried to predict or guess about how much time
you think it should take the two machines? For example,
will it be closer to 1 hour or closer to 4 hours? Why?
Checking a guess can sometimes lead to a new insight into
the problem.
Did you try drawing a picture to help you solve the
problem?
Perhaps you could use something that you could move or
change. For example, you might draw a rectangle or line
segment to stand for the truckload of paper, or you might
get some counters and make a collection that stands for
the truckload.
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Understand the problem.
Devise a plan for attacking the problem.
Carry out the plan.
Look back at the problem, the answer,
and what you have done to get there.
• A special strategy for reading math problems is
called the 3-Read Strategy.
• It involves reading a problem several times in
order to try to understand the problem clearly.
• It then involves devising a plan or strategy,
carrying it out, and then checking your ideas.
• Work on the assigned activity in order to practise
this strategy.
• The first read is designed so that you can
understand the general idea of the problem.
• The second read is designed so that you can
focus in on the separate facts and the actual
question.
• The third read is designed so that you can
recheck the problem to make sure you have
not misunderstood anything.
• After understanding the problem, you need to
think of possible ways to solve it. You need to
think about the best strategy to use.
• Next, you must put into action the strategy or plan
you have come up with. Record your thinking
using pictures, symbols, and/or words.
• Lastly, you need to check over what you have
done to make sure that you have answered the
question and explained your thinking.
Now practise the 3-Read strategy on
some new problems.
Examine the checklist for Problem
Solving given to you by the teacher.
(Van de Walle, page 58)