MASALAH

Soalan: Carol has written a number pattern that begins with 1, 3, 6, 10, 15. If she continues this pattern, what are the next four numbers in her pattern?

STRATEGY 1 : Find a Pattern

STEP 1 :Understand The Problem

What do you need to find? You need to find 4 numbers after 15.

STEP 2 : Device A Plan How can you solve the problem? You can find a pattern. Look at the numbers. The new number depends upon the number before it.

Step 3: Carry Out The Plan

Look at the numbers in the pattern. 3 = 1 + 2 (starting number is 1, add 2 to make 3) 6 = 3 + 3 (starting number is 3, add 3 to make 6) 10 = 6 + 4 (starting number is 6, add 4 to make 10) 15 = 10 + 5 (starting number is 10, add 5 to make 15)

New numbers will be 15 + 6 = 21 21 + 7 = 28 28 + 8 = 36 36 + 9 = 45

Step 4 : Check The Answer

+2 1 3

+3
+2

+4 6
+2

+5 10
+2

+6 15
+2

+7 21
+2

+8 28
+2

+9 36
+2

45

STRATEGY 2 : CONSTRUCT A TABLE STEP 1 :Understand The Problem

What do you need to find? Need to find next 4 number in the pattern.

STEP 2 : Device The Plan You can construct a table. Look at the numbers given. The new numbers depends on the number before it. Define the relation between the starting number and the following numbers.

STEP 3 : CARRY OUT THE PLAN

FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH FIFTH SIXTH SEVENTH EIGTH

1 1+2=3 3+3=6 6 + 4 =10 10 + 5 =15 15 + 6 = 21 21 + 7 =28 28 + 8 =36

I can check for other answers. I will organize my work in a table. Step 4: Check the answer The answer can be double checked by drawing and figures from the table.

Problem 3
In Conclusion:

The two strategies used in solving this problem are (i) (ii) Find a pattern Construct the table

Strategy that chosen as best strategy is construct a table.

The strategy construct a table is a better strategy because: Reasons 1. It is more systematic and we can see the information clearly. A table shows relationship between two or more sets or facts or information. 2. The information can be shown in the correct order because draw a table helps to construct to report information. 3. By drawing a table, the solution can be found more easily and faster compare to the strategy look for a pattern because the information is already in the table form so that, we can get the answer straight away.

New Problem 3
A man was very overweight and his doctor told him to lose 36 kg. If he loses 11 kg the first week, 9 kg the second week, and 7 kg the third week, and he continues losing at this rate, how long will it take him to lose 36 kg? (Hint: Look for a pattern. Then complete the table.) Week 1 2 3 4 5 Total Kilograms Lost 11 11 + 9 = 20 20 + 7 = 27

STEP 1 : Understanding the Problem

How much does the man need to lose? (36 kg) How much did he lose the first week? (11 kg) How much did he lose the second week? (9 kg) How much did he lose the third week? (7 kg)

STEP 2 : DEVISE A PLAN How much less does he lose the second week than the first week?(2 kg) How much less does he lose the third week than the secornd? (2 kg)

STEP 3 : CARRY OUT THE PLAN Look for a Pattern Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 Total Kilograms Lost 11 11 + 9 = 20 20 + 7 = 27 27 + 5 = 32 32 + 3 = 35 35 + 1 = 36

Pattern: The number of kilograms lost decreases by 2 each week. It will take the man 6 weeks to lose 36 kg.

STEP 4 : CHECK THE ANSWER

If the man gains his weight back at the rate of 2 kg the first week, 4 kg the second week, 6 kg the third week, and so on, in which week will he have gained back 36 kg? (the sixth).