PROBLEM SET IN MATH 353
PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES
Directions: Solve the following problems by applying the 4-Step Problem Sovlving Process
by George Polya. Follow the required strategy per problem (10 pts each)
1. I am thinking of a number. If you multiply its square by 3 and then add 9, you get 117.
What is the number? (Working Backwards)
2. How many diagonals are there for a polygon with 12 sides? (Make a Diagram)
3. A pipe can fill a tank in 8 hours. After this pipe is open for two hours a second pipe is
opened, and together they fill the tank in two more hours. How many hours does it
take for the second pipe alone to fill the tank? (Using Mathematical Model)
4. At a community fiesta, there is a game in the circus in which five balls are placed
inside a box. Each ball is numbered 1, 3, 0, 5 and 8. A person picks three balls from
the box and adds the numbers. How many sums are possible? (Make a List)
5. Study the figure below and determine the total number of points that make up the
15th pentagon? (Look for a Pattern)
6. Given the cryptarithm puzzle below, each different letter corresponds to a different
digit. The left most digit cannot be zeros. Given the addition problem is correct , can
you figure out the numbers? (Guess and Check)
R I C H
POO R
+ HA P P Y
P EOP L E
7. In the farmyard, there are some pigs and chickens. In fact, there are 87 animals and
266 legs. How many pigs are there? (Use a Variable)
8.
(Solve a Simpler Problem)
9. Use Logical Reasoning/Elimination Method.
10. Use Act Out/Using Manipulatives