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Critical thinking & problem-solving

Grade 5 · Study & Life Skills · Free lesson

Hi! I am Studyfin, your learning buddy. Today we will learn a super cool way to solve any big problem!

Every big problem looks easier when we use a plan. First, we need to look at the facts we already have. We call this analyzing our information.

puzzle

Next, we make a smart plan. We think about what tools or steps will help us find the answer.

1. Start 2. Plan 3. Goal

After we find an answer, we must check our work. We ask ourselves: 'Does this answer make sense?'

Math Facts Do they balance?
✏️ Worked example

Leo has 3 bags of marbles. Each bag has 5 marbles inside. His friend gives him 4 more marbles. How many marbles does Leo have now?

  1. Analyze the facts: Leo has 3 bags with 5 marbles each. He gets 4 more marbles.
  2. Formulate a plan: First, multiply 3 bags by 5 to find the bag marbles. Then, add the 4 extra marbles.
  3. Determine the solution: 3 times 5 is 15. Then, 15 plus 4 equals 19 marbles.
  4. Justify the solution: We can count them to check. 5 + 5 + 5 = 15. Then 16, 17, 18, 19. The math is correct!
  5. Evaluate the process: Our plan worked well because we grouped the bags first. 19 is a reasonable answer.
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