MAP102 Problem Solving Heuristics in Primary Mathematics

www.banhar.blogspot.com

Dr Yeap Ban HarMarshall Cavendish Institute

yeapbanhar@gmail.com

Venue: Singapore Teachers’ Union

In today’s class we will use the following heuristics:• Act it out• Draw a diagram• Solve a simpler problem• Solve part of a problem• Draw a table• Look for a pattern• Use algebra

HeuristicsDraw a Diagram

Jason

Edward

Sam

$837 - $648 = $189

$189 x 3 = $570 - $3 = $567

$837 - $567 = $270

Sam had $270 at first.

Assuming Sam did not spend his money:

Edward had $360 at first.

Jason had $837 - $360 - $270 = $207 at first.

Jason had $207 at first.

Jason

Edward

Sam

$189 x 3 = $567

Jason

Edward

Sam

We found three different ways to make a rectangle using three tangram pieces.

This is the act it out heuristics.

HeuristicsAct It Out

2 442, 24

The difference between 42 and 24 is

18.

HeuristicsLook for a Pattern

HeuristicsAct It Out

We used 9 sticks to make three different arrangements with four such triangles.

The least number of sticks used is 6!

We also solved these which were raised by participants

Each symbol stands for a number.

+ + + + + = 40 x = 40

What number does stand for?

11 trees are in a road. The distance between each tree is equal.The distance between the 1st tree and 4th tree is 18m.Find the distance between the 1st tree and last tree.

Try these with your kids!