Elementary Test Prep: Math 4 Test (Grades 4) Problem Solving/Breaking Into Parts

Problem Solving
Lesson
Topic Index | Grade 4 Math | Elementary Test Prep | StudyZone

Sometimes it is difficult to solve a multi-step problem. The key to success is to plan and organize information.

Lisa buys 2 shirts for $14 each and a pair of sneakers for $48. How much change does she get if she pays with a $100 bill?
	What You Think	What You Do
Read	What are you asked to find?	Read the problem carefully.
Plan	How can I decide the order in which to work?	Start by finding the total cost. Then find the amount of change.
Solve	Solve each part of the problem.	cost: 2 x $14 = $28 $28 + $48 = $76 change: $100 - $76 = $24
Look Back	Is the answer reasonable?	Estimate to check. $14 is close to $15 and $48 is close to 50. 2 x $15 + 50 = $30 + $50 = $80 $100 - $80 = $20
The estimate $20 is close to the answer $24. The answer is reasonable.

Example 1

John works as a carpenter from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. each day. How many hours does John work in a 5-day work week?

Facts: 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. = 8 hours
5 days in a 5-day week
5 x 8 = 40 hours

Solution: Dan works 40 hours in a 5-day work week.

Example 2

This year, the school chess club includes 15 children, 20 teenagers, and 33 adults. Last year, there were 43 members in all.

By how much has the membership changed?

Facts:	15 + 20 + 33 = 68
	68 - 43 = 25

Solution: Membership has increased by 25 members.

Remember: Read the problem carefully. Estimate to check your answer.

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