Solve a Simpler Problem

Lesson 5-6

Strategy

• When a problem contains difficult numbers (like fractions or mixed numbers), then imagine the problem with simpler numbers.

• Solve a problem using the simpler numbers.• Check to see if the strategy worked. Does the

answer make sense?• Go back and use the same strategy, only this

time you can use the more difficult numbers.

If you get stuck…

• Remember, there are only four operations to choose from: multiply, divide, add, or subtract.

• Try a few operations and see which answer makes the most sense.

Words that mean “Add”

• In all

• Increased by

• How many / how much

• Sum

• Total

• Added to

• Altogether

Words that mean “Subtract”

• How many / how much MORE

• Decreased by

• Difference

• Less than

• Fewer than

• Left / left over

• Reduced by

Words that mean “Multiply”

• Of

• Product

• Times

• Multiplied by

• In all / total / altogether (when referring to repeated addition)

Words that mean “Divide”

• Quotient

• Out of

• Per

• Ratio

• Percent

Homework Time