It’s as easy as remembering to GUESS!

Write down the information that is given in the problem.

You must write the variable, the number and the units. remember your variables from the “units,

units, units” reference paper Example: What speed is the train going

if it goes 9 meters in 3 seconds?d = 9 m t = 3 s

What is the problem looking for? What don’t you know?

This is your variable!Let the letter of the unknown quantity be

your variable. Example: What speed is the train going

if it goes 9 meters in 3 seconds?s = ?

Write the equation needed to solve the problem. Use the triangle to figure out which equation

you need. Cover your unknown Read the rest of your equation as it shows in the

triangle. Example:

s = d/t

d

s . t

Substitute the values from the “given” step into the equation for each variable.

Do NOT change the math symbols (like division or multiplication signs)

Example: s = 9 m

5 sDon’t forget to write the units!!

Double check your work for stupid mistakes

Don’t forget units next to every number Box or circle your answer.

YOU MUST DO EVERY STEP FOR EVERY PROBLEM, EVERY TIME!

If Ms. Allen can swim 50 m in 49 s, how fast is she swimming?

G

U

E

S

S