There is more than one way to skin a cat.
In other words there are many ways in which to solve a problem to
come up with the correct answer.
Example 1:
Robert did 35% of this
work what fraction of the work does Robert have left to do?
Strategies
Strategy
#1
Step
1: You can change the
percent to a fraction 35/100.
Step 2: Reduce 35/100 to 7/20 by
dividing 35 and 100 each by 5.
Step 3: Subtract 20/20 - 7/20 = 13/20
Step 4: Robert has 13/20 of the job left to do.
Strategy
#2
Step
1: Subtract 100% - 35% = 65%
Step 2: You can change the
percent to a fraction 65/100.
Step 3: Reduce 65/100 to 13/20 by
dividing 65 and 100 each by 5.
Step 4: Robert has 13/20 of the job left to do.
Strategy
#3
Step 1: You can
change the percent to a fraction
35/100.
Step 2: Subtract 100/100 - 35/100 =
65/100.
Step 3: Reduce 65/100 to 13/20 by
dividing 65 and 100 each by 5.
Step 4: Robert has 13/20 of the job left to do.
Example
2:
Claire is making soup
for her sick friend. The recipe calls for 2 quarts of water.
If she make 8 times the recipe because her friend is going
to be sick for a long time. How many gallons of water will
she need?
Strategy
#1
Step
1: You can multiply 2 x 8 = 16 quarts.
Step 2: There are 4 quarts in a gallon,
so 16 ÷ 4 = 4 gallons.
Step 3: Claire has 4 gallons of
water.
Strategy
#2
Step
1: You can change
2 quarts to 0.5 gallons.
Step 2: Then multiply 0.5 x 8 =4 gallons.
Step 3: Claire has
4 gallons of water.
Strategy
#3
Step 1: You can multiply
2 x 8 = 16 quarts.
Step 2: Quarts are 1/4 of a gallon so, 1/4 of
16 =4 gallons.
Remember:
Use the method of solving a
problem that you're most comfortable with. Then when the
problem is done ask yourself " Is this what the question is
asking for? Is the problem solved correctly?"
