Grade 3 · Unit 4: Patterns and algebra

Solving problems

Read, plan, solve, check.

Real problems

A farmer plants 45 rows with 8 seedlings each. She needs to know how many seedlings to buy. Solving problems is the reason we learn maths.

Four steps

Read the problem twice. Choose a strategy: draw, act it out, make a table. Always check your answer.

Bar models

A bar model shows the parts and the whole. If we know the total and one part, subtract to find the other. If we know both parts, add.

Two-step problems

Rahim buys 5 packs of 6 pencils and gives 8 away. Step 1: 5 × 6 = 30. Step 2: 30 − 8 = 22. Check: is 22 sensible? Yes.

What I learnt

• I can use a four-step plan.
• I can draw bar models.
• I can solve two-step problems.