1. It’s as easy as remembering to GUESS!

2.  Write down the information that is given in the problem.  You must write the variable, the number and the units.  remember your variables from the “units, units, units” reference paper  Example: What speed is the train going if it goes 9 meters in 3 seconds?  d = 9 m  t = 3 s

3.  What is the problem looking for? What don’t you know?  This is your variable!  Let the letter of the unknown quantity be your variable.  Example: What speed is the train going if it goes 9 meters in 3 seconds?  s = ?

4.  Write the equation needed to solve the problem.  Use the triangle to figure out which equation you need.  Cover your unknown  Read the rest of your equation as it shows in the triangle.  Example:  s = d/t d s. t

5.  Substitute the values from the “given” step into the equation for each variable.  Do NOT change the math symbols (like division or multiplication signs)  Example:  s = 9 m 5 s Don’t forget to write the units!!

6.  Double check your work for stupid mistakes  Don’t forget units next to every number  Box or circle your answer.  YOU MUST DO EVERY STEP FOR EVERY PROBLEM, EVERY TIME!

7.  If Ms. Allen can swim 50 m in 49 s, how fast is she swimming? G U E S S