When answering a math problem, you sometimes have choices.

For example, you could solve a problem by
either adding or multiplying.

Either process will give the correct answer.

Sometimes either process works equally well.

But, at other times multiplying will help you arrive at the answer more quickly and easily.

Let's look at other examples.

You might find an answer by either subtracting or dividing.
{ You want to place 36 books on 9 desks.
How many books should you put on each desk? }

In this example division was a faster and easier
way to solve this problem.

It was more efficient.
(That means it's faster and easier!)

Remember:

There may be more than one way to write and solve a problem.   One way may be more efficient that another way.

Click on the apple for practice.