2. Strategy for Problem Solving
General Strategy for Problem Solving
I Introduction: Understand the problem by:
Read and reread the problem
Choose a variable to represent the unknown
Construct a drawing, whenever possible
II Body: Translate the problem into an equation
and solve the equation
III Conclusion: Interpret your result
State your conclusion

8. Find the area of the trapezoid.
Find the volume of the right circular cylinder.

11. It is often necessary to rewrite a formula so that it is solved for one of the variables.
This is accomplished by isolating the designated variable on one side of the equal sign.

12. Example
Solve for n.
Divide both sides by mr.
Simplify right side.

13. Solving Equations for a Specific Variable
1. Multiply to clear fractions.
2. Use distributive property to remove grouping symbols.
3. Combine like terms to simplify each side.
4. Get all terms containing specified variable on the same side, other terms on the opposite side.
5. Isolate the specified variable. 13

14. Example Solve for T. Subtract P from both sides. Simplify right side.
Divide both sides by PR.
Simplify right side.

15. Solve for the indicated variable.