Problem Solving Tool: KFC

What is Problem Solving? Problem solving is when you are presented with a math problem and you have to figure out a way to answer the question that the problem is asking you.

Problem Solving can be tough but not if you use… K F C

No, not fried chicken! K- stands for “What information do I know?” F- stands for “What am I trying to find out?” C- stands for “Come up with a plan!”

The PLAN you come up with must have two parts! What operation will I need to use? Addition, subtraction, division or multiplication What problem solving strategy will I choose to use?

Problem solving strategies! Act it out Draw a picture Solve a Simpler Problem Use Logical Reasoning Work Backward Write an Equation Write a Number Sentence Make an Organized List Make a Table / Chart / T-Chart Use Estimation Use Mental Math Make a Number Line Find a pattern Guess and Check

Let’s try it! Here’s the problem: Paul received four postcards from each of his father’s 11 trips. How many postcards did Paul receive from the 11 trips?

First is “K” or “What do you know and need to solve the problem?” Paul received four postcards from each of his father’s 11 trips. How many postcards did Paul receive from the 11 trips?

Know: Received 4 postcards Each of 11 trips

Next is “F” or “What am I trying to find out?” Paul received four postcards from each of his father’s 11 trips. How many postcards did Paul receive from the 11 trips?

Know: Find out: Received 4 postcards Each of 11 trips How many postcards did Paul receive from the 11 trips?

Last is “C” or “Come up with a plan!” Remember the plan must have two parts: What operation will I need to use? Addition, subtraction, division or multiplication What problem solving strategy will I choose to use?

How do we choose an operation? Look for KEY words! Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division add in all total sum plus how much perimeter increased by more than both together all together subtract difference how much more decreased by minus less less than fewer than have left exceed take away are not remain change left multiplied by times each product area divided by share equally part distribute evenly average out of per quotient split separated cut up

Know: Find out: Come up with a plan! Operation: Strategy: Received 4 postcards Each of 11 trips Find out: How many postcards did Paul receive from the 11 trips? Come up with a plan! Operation: Multiplication Strategy: Draw a picture

Paul received 44 postcards. Now solve! O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O Is there any other way students might draw their picture? O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O Four groups of 11 is 44. 4 x 11 = 44 Paul received 44 postcards.

Easy right?! Now you try it! Solve the following problems using KFC! Remember to draw the three column chart and to show your work! 1. There were 6 chickens and 8 horses on Mr. Johnson’s farm. What is the total number of legs on Mr. Johnson’s farm? (hint: include Mr. Johnson) 2. Ringo, John, Paul, and George are singing in a band. John and Paul have on glasses. Paul and Ringo are standing beside of John. George doesn’t want to stand beside John because he sings off key. Ringo is standing on the end. What order are they standing on stage?

Problem Solving can be tough but not if you use… K F C http://hortonu.wikispaces.com/file/detail/KFC+Problem+Solving+Strategy.ppt

Draw a Picture Strategy Air Show Problem 3-1 K F C 8 skydivers How many pieces Operation: Connect to 7 of ribbon was × ÷ skydivers with used? ribbon Strategy: Draw picture Answer: 56 ÷ 2 = 28 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Working with LD or ELL Students Use Contextual Clues Hands-On for Visual Learners Verbal Interaction Provide time for students to work collaboratively and discuss assignments Active Participation Math Wall or Dictionary www.babelfish.com or translate google.com How many legs? ¿Cuántas patas?