Solve a Simpler Problem
Lesson
Topic Index | Grade 4 Math | Elementary Test Prep | StudyZone

A problem may seem very difficult. It may contain large numbers or appear to require many steps to solve. Instead of solving the given problem, solve a similar but simpler problem.

Look for lesser numbers, patterns, and relationships. Then use what you've learned to solve the original problem.

 

Example

A frog fell into a hole 8 feet deep. Every day the frog was able to climb 3 feet up the side of the hole. Every night he slid back 2 feet. How many days did it take the frog to climb out of the hole?

 

What You Think What You Do
Read What does the problem ask me to find? Find the question in the problem and underline it.
Think of strategies you have used.
Plan Which strategy makes the most sense to try? Try solving a similar, but simpler problem.
Look for a pattern.
Solve Suppose the hole was only 5 feet deep.
  If the hole was 3 feet, the frog would be out on the first day.
If the hole was 4 feet, the frog would be out on the second day.
If the hole was 5 feet, the frog would be out on the third day.
There is a difference of 2 between the depth of the hole and the number of days.
So, the frog jumps out of the 8-feet hole on the sixth day.
  Oval Callout: So, it will take me 6 days to get out of this hole!
 
Remember: Using lesser numbers, tables, and patterns often helps develop a method to solve multiple-step problems.
 

 
Topic Index | Grade 4 Math | Elementary Test Prep | StudyZone

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Updated by Nicole Freebern
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