1. Problem Solving: Look for a Pattern Lesson 6-5

2. When solving problems, one strategy that is helpful is to look for a pattern. Looking for a pattern is often useful for solving problems that involve data that changes in a predictable way. In some problem situations, you can extend and examine a pattern in order to solve the problem.

3. Example 1  Monisha has the flu. The doctor gave her medicine to take over the next 2 weeks. The first 3 days she is to take 2 pills a day. Then the remaining days she is take 1 pill. How many pills will Monisha have taken at the end of the 2 weeks?

4. Start with the first week and look for a pattern. AAfter the first few days the number of pills increases by 1. SSo, by the end of the first week, Monisha will have taken 10 pills.

5. For the second week you can add 7 more pills to her total from the first week, 10 + 7 = 17. SSo, by the end of the 2 weeks, Monisha will have taken 17 pills to get over the flu. YYou can extend the table for the next 7 days to check the answer.

6. Guided Practice BBuses arrive every 30 minutes at the bus stop. The first bus arrives at 6:20 A.M. Hogan wants to get on the first bus after 8:00 A.M. What time will the bus that Hogan wants to take arrive at the bus stop? bus1 st time6:20 2 nd 6:507:50 4 th 7:20 3 rd 8:20 5 th The first bus to arrive after 8:00 A.M. comes at 8:20 A.M.

7. Guided Practice IIn 2002, Estella earned $200 in allowance, and Kelsey earned $150 in allowance. Each year Kelsey earned $20 more in allowance, and Estella earned $10 more. In what year will they earn the same amount of money? How much will it be? 2003 $210 $190 $220 2004 $170 $230 20052006 $240 $230$210 YEAR2002 Estella$200 Kelsey$150 2007 $250 In the year 2007, Estella and Kelsey will both earn $250.