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Hi! I am Studyfin, your learning buddy. Today we are going to learn a super cool way to solve any tricky problem step by step!
When you face a tough problem, do not just guess. You can use a five-step problem-solving model to guide your thinking. This model helps you analyze clues, make a solid plan, find the answer, and check your work.
Step one is to analyze. This means you look closely at the facts you have and what you need to find. Step two is to formulate a plan by picking a strategy, like drawing a picture or looking for a pattern.
Step three is to determine the solution by carrying out your plan. Step four is to justify your answer by showing why your math makes sense. Finally, step five is to evaluate if your answer is reasonable.
Sam has a rectangular garden. The length is 8 meters and the width is 5 meters. Sam wants to put a fence around it. He has 30 meters of fencing. Use the problem-solving model to find out if he has enough fence.
- Analyze: You know the length is 8 meters and the width is 5 meters. You need to find the perimeter. You have 30 meters of fencing.
- Plan: Use the perimeter formula for a rectangle: Perimeter = 2 times length plus 2 times width. Draw a picture to help.
- Solve: Calculate the perimeter. P = (2 x 8) + (2 x 5) = 16 + 10 = 26 meters.
- Justify: Check the math. 8 + 8 + 5 + 5 = 26 meters. Since 26 is less than 30, Sam has enough fence.
- Evaluate: The answer is reasonable because a perimeter must be larger than any single side, and 26 meters fits a garden of this size.