Unit 2 — Problem Solving Techniques
UNIT 2
Problem Solving Techniques
Lecture Notes & Self-Assessment Solutions (Q1–Q50)
PART A — KEY POINTS FOR LECTURE
1. Introduction
Unit 2 covers two core problem-solving tools: (1) Parts and Whole and their relationships, and (2)
Units and Rates with real-life applications. These concepts are fundamental for quantitative reasoning
in mathematics, science, and everyday decision-making.
2. Learning Objectives
• Recognize the connection between parts and the whole
• Apply parts and whole concepts to real-life situations
• Understand units and rates with practical examples
• Use 'Parts & Whole' and 'Units & Rates' as problem-solving tools
3. Parts and Whole
3.1 What are Parts?
• Individual elements or components that collectively make up a whole
• Can vary in size, complexity, and function
• Each part has its own characteristics and properties within the system
3.2 What is the Whole?
• The entirety — the sum total formed by combining all its parts
• The unified entity emerging from the integration of its parts
• Often exhibits properties distinct from any individual component
3.3 Their Relationship
• Parts and wholes share a relationship of interdependence and emergence
• Parts interact with each other and contribute to the whole's functioning
• The whole influences the behavior and properties of its constituent parts
• Emergent properties arise at the level of the whole that cannot be explained by parts alone
3.4 Key Mathematical Examples
• 25 marbles taken from 100 = 25% (part compared to whole)
• Spending Rs 200 from Rs 500 = spending 0.4 or 40% of the whole
• Rectangle area = length × width (two parts forming the whole area)
• Algebraic expression 2x + 3: both terms are parts of the whole expression
3.5 Real-Life Examples of Parts and Whole
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Unit 2 — Problem Solving Techniques
• Human Body: organs, tissues, cells → whole organism
• Ecosystem: plants, animals, soil, water, climate → whole ecosystem
• Automobile: engine, wheels, chassis, electronics → whole vehicle
• Business: marketing, finance, HR, operations → whole company
• Computer: CPU, memory, storage, I/O, software → whole system
• Sports Team: individual players with different skills → one team
• Musical Composition: melody, harmony, rhythm, dynamics → whole piece
3.6 Importance of Understanding Parts and Whole
• Crucial for analyzing complex systems and phenomena
• Provides insights into how systems are structured, function, and evolve
• Essential for effective problem-solving, decision-making, and innovation
• Framework for understanding emergent properties — from atoms to societies
4. Units and Rates
4.1 What are Units?
Units are standardized quantities used for measurement, providing a reference against which other
measurements can be compared.
Standard Units Reference Table:
Unit Measures Type Real-Life Example
Meter (m) Length Base Distance between cities
Kilogram Mass Base Weight of groceries
(kg)
Second (s) Time Base Duration of an event
Kelvin (K) Temperature Base Scientific temperature
Ampere (A) Electric current Base Household electricity
Mole (mol) Amount of Base Chemistry calculations
substance
Candela Luminous intensity Base Light measurement
(cd)
Newton (N) Force Derived (kg·m/s²) Push/pull force
Joule (J) Energy Derived (kg·m²/s²) Energy in food/fuel
Pascal (Pa) Pressure Derived (N/m²) Tyre pressure
Hertz (Hz) Frequency Derived (1/s) Sound/radio waves
4.2 What are Rates?
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Unit 2 — Problem Solving Techniques
A rate is a comparison of two different quantities (often with different units), expressed as a ratio.
Rates describe how one quantity changes in relation to another.
Key Formulas:
• Speed = Distance ÷ Time
• Acceleration = Change in Velocity ÷ Time
• Density = Mass ÷ Volume
• Frequency = Number of events ÷ Time
Types of Rates:
Rate Type Definition Common Unit Real-Life Example
Speed / Velocity Distance per time km/h, m/s, mph Car speedometer
Acceleration Velocity change per time m/s² Rocket launch
Growth / Decay Change in quantity over % per year Population, interest
Rate time
Density Mass per unit volume kg/m³, g/cm³ Material selection
Frequency Events per unit time Hz (cycles/s) Sound waves
Conversion Rate Relationship between 1 mile = 1.609 km Currency exchange
units
4.3 Real-Life Applications of Units and Rates
• Grocery Shopping: price per kg to find best value
• Driving: speed in km/h to estimate travel time
• Cooking: cups, teaspoons, and ounces for ingredients
• Exercise: heart rate in beats per minute
• Banking: interest rate on loans and savings
• Fuel: km per liter or miles per gallon for efficiency
• Utilities: kWh for electricity, cubic meters for water
• Internet: data in GB, speed in Mbps
• Construction: materials in meters, timelines in days/rates
• Travel Planning: speed, cost, and time comparisons
4.4 Key Unit Conversions to Remember
• 1 kilometer = 1000 meters | 1 meter = 100 cm = 1000 mm
• 1 kilogram = 1000 grams | 1 liter = 1000 milliliters
• 1 hour = 60 minutes = 3600 seconds
• 1 mile ≈ 1.609 kilometers
• 1 cubic meter (m³) = 1000 liters
• To convert km/h to m/s: divide by 3.6
• To convert m/s to km/h: multiply by 3.6
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