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Hi there! I am Studyfin, your science tutor. Today, we will learn how engineers solve real-world problems step by step!
Engineers are real-world problem solvers. They follow a special set of steps called the engineering design process to build helpful things.
First, engineers must listen to instructions to understand the problem. We can restate these rules in our own words to make sure we follow them correctly.
Next, engineers use math to plan their materials. We represent these multi-step math problems using equations with a letter for the unknown number.
An engineering team needs to build 3 wooden toy cars. Each car needs 4 plastic wheels and 2 metal axles. They have a box with 20 wheels and 10 axles. Let us write an equation to find how many wheels will be left over (W). Then, let us explain the steps to build one car.
- First, we listen to the goal: Build 3 cars using the materials. We restate this: We must find the wheels used, subtract them from the total, and explain how to build a car.
- Next, we represent the math. We start with 20 total wheels. We subtract the wheels used for 3 cars. Each car needs 4 wheels. The math equation is: 20 - (3 * 4) = W.
- Now, we solve the multi-step equation. We multiply 3 times 4 to get 12. Then, we subtract 12 from 20. W = 8 wheels left over.
- Finally, we give oral steps to build a car: First, grab 1 wooden body. Second, push 2 axles through the body holes. Third, snap 4 wheels onto the axle ends. Test it to make sure it rolls!
