Elementary Test Prep Math 4 (Grade 3) Choose a plan

Choose A Plan
Lesson
Topic Index | Grade 3 Math | Elementary Test Prep | StudyZone

To Solve a Problem You Must Make a Plan.
It's Important to Choose the Right Strategy.

                   To solve a problem you need to follow
                             these important steps:
                       Step 1: Understand the problem.
                       Step 2: Make a plan.

Draw a table or chart

Use computation ( + - x ÷ )

Draw a picture

Guess and check
Step 3: Carry out the plan.
Step 4: Look Back.

Sometimes you may choose the wrong plan the first time.
If this happens, go back and try a new strategy.

Example Problem:

In basketball you can score 1, 2, or 3 points with one basket.

1 point for a free throw

2 points for a regular basket

3 points behind the 3-point line

Ben scored 10 points in his last basketball game.
Think of a combination of baskets that would equal 10 points.

                        Step 1: Understand the problem.
                                 What combination of 1, 2, and 3 will equal 10?
                    Step 2: Make a plan.
                                  Suppose you choose to add the numbers together:
                    Step 3: Carry out the plan.
                                  1 + 2 + 3 = 6

                               That didn't work!
                                  1 + 2 + 3 = 6, not 10
                                  So, adding the numbers together doesn't work.

                                  Go back to ....
                    Step 2: Make a plan.
                                  Guess and check
                    Step 3: Carry out the plan.
                                 1 free throw = 1 point
                                 3 baskets     = 6 points
                                 1 "3-point"   = 3 points
                                    1 + 6 + 3 = 10 points
               Step 4: Look Back.
                                 If Ben scored 1 free throw, 3 regular baskets,
                                 and 1 "3-point" basket, he would have scored 10
                                 points.

Remember:

If the strategy you choose does not give the right answer,
go back and choose a different strategy.

Click on the apple for practice.

Topic Index | Grade 3 Math | Elementary Test Prep | StudyZone