Problem solving methods

1. Comparing the fractions

You use this method when the question states that a fraction (ratio/decimal) of something is
equal to a fraction of another thing.
Convert both fractions with a common numerator.
Using this method allows you to understand how many unit to assign to each thing.
Example:
1
3
of
Javiers
allowance
is
equal
to
3
5 of Joannas allowance.
a) Find the ratio of Javiers allowance to Joannas allowance.
b) Joannas allowance is increased by $15; the ratio of Javiers allowance to Joannas
allowance will be 3:2. How much is Javiers allowance now?
1 3
3
=
3 9
5
(This meant that Javier has 9 units and Joanna has 5 units.)
(a)

Ratio: 9:5
Think about this question:
1
2
of Hilarys money is $8 less than of Randys money. They have a total of $132.
3
7
How much money does Randy have?

2. Table method
This method is like modelling. To use this method, you need to have:
1) Starting units/algebra * note that you can only use 1 algebra letter
2) A change to the units (should use addition and subtraction)
3) Ending ratio
After constructing the table you need to cross multiply to calculate what is the unit.
Example
(b)
Javier
9u
+0
3

Joanna
5u
+15
2

Javiers allowance: $150

9u 2 = 5u 3 + $15 3
18u = 15u + $45
3u
= $45
1u
= $15

3. Elimination Method
This method is used for questions that give many unknown variables.
We manipulate the information given in the question and use it to remove one of the variable.
Example:
3 files and 2 books cost $60. 2 files and 3 books cost $70. Find the cost of 1 file.
3F 2B $60

2F 3B $79

9F 6B $180

4F 6B $158

5F $22
1F $5.50
4. Working backwards Method

This method is used for questions take you through many steps and tells you
what you have in the end.

Things to take note

Percentage, Decimal and Fraction
They are related.
100% = 1
1
50% = 0.5 = 2
Percentage: Know what it is referring to
Example:
Karen had 80 beads. Shannon had 15% more beads than Karen. During a game, Shannon lost 25% of
her beads to Karen. How many more beads had Karen than Shannon in the end?
1) Sharon: Karen
115: 100

2) Sharon did not lose 25u to Karen

She lost 115u 4 = 28.75u
Remainder Concept
Remainder concept problem sums often contain the word remainder or ask about the total
amount of something given the remainder. Most of the time, remainder concept questions test
the knowledge of fractions.
Example:
Mrs Lee read 40% of the pages of a book on Monday. On Tuesday, she read 20% of the remaining pages
of the book. She then had 180 pages left unread. How many pages are there in the book?

A different type of speed question

Example:
How long does it take for the 2 painters to paint the room if painter A take 3 hour to paint the
room and painter B takes 4 hours to paint the room?
You need find out how much of the room the painters can paint in 1 hour.
Then, you can find out how much of the room, the painters can paint in 1 hour.
Finally, you find out your answer by dividing the rate.
1
A 3 room/h

1
B 4 room/h

7
A+B 12 room/h
7 12
Time taken: 1 12 = 7 h