Form 2 Unit 1 Lesson 6: Solving Problems using the calculator

Objective
At the end of the topic the students should be able to:

• Know the strategies for finding the unknown in a problem.

Using the calculator saves time. It allows us to work out difficult and time consuming questions quickly.
To solve a problem, use the following strategies;

• Understand the situation.
• Read the description carefully. Underline key fact and what you are asked to find.
• Look for useful strategies.
• Follow your best strategy towards a solution.
• Show all the working clearly and explain your solution in a way that others can follow.

Example 1
Melanie buys 45 kilograms of flour to bake her birthday cake at a cost of $5.78 per 5 kg bag. Find the cost of the flour.
Solution
Number of bags: 45÷ 5 =9
Cost    = 9× $5.78
=$52.02
Cost of the flour is $52