1. Mr. Gifford’s 5th Grade Math
Lesson #1 –
Problem solving strategy for
Math story problems.
DR. QFOSAC

2. Once at a Math conference I met a Dr. of Mathematics named Dr. QFOSAC
Once at a Math conference I met a Dr. of Mathematics named Dr. QFOSAC Each letter of his name stands for a different strategy to help solve math word problems.

3. D – Do R – Read The first thing you must do with a word problem is READ! Go over the problem multiple times until you understand what it is saying.

4. Q – Underline, reread, and rewrite the question
Q – Underline, reread, and rewrite the question. (Hint: the sentence BEFORE the question mark) Example - How many cans are in the bag all together?

5. F – Write, underline or circle the facts of the problem
F – Write, underline or circle the facts of the problem. The facts are the numbers and important words that will help you solve the problem. Example – 15 cans in a bag, add 5 cans in the trash.

6. O – decide what OPERATION to use by looking at key words like; total, in all, difference, product, all together, how many groups, and divided by. Example - How many cans are in the bag all together? (addition +)

7. S – Now SOLVE the problem using pencil and paper and mental math
S – Now SOLVE the problem using pencil and paper and mental math. Example – 15 cans + 5 cans = 20 cans

8. A – Circle your ANSWER to the problem
A – Circle your ANSWER to the problem. Example – 15 cans + 5 cans = 20 cans

9. C – CHECK your answer using a calculator to see if your answer is correct. (Remember use the opposite operation to find your answer…addition / subtraction ; multiplication / division) Example – 15 cans + 5 cans = 20 cans 20 cans – 5 cans = 15 cans 20 cans – 15 cans = 5 cans

10. That is it for DR.QFOSAC. If you follow this strategy you will be successful with math story problems.

11. Thank you for your time and I will see you for the next lesson