Sunday, November 21, 2010

Listing Attributes continued...

I certainly enjoyed reading your responses to the 'Listing Attributes' blog. I like that many of you are commenting (positively) to what your classmates are writing and adding on to their ideas, keep it up! This is an exercise in brainstorming mathematically. Remember to think of new ideas, do not repeat what has already been suggested.

Let's start thinking more about how to solve this problem now. Will you choose Polya's method? Will you use a Problem Solving strategy, if so which one? How will you organize your ideas?

Before you begin, take a moment to go back and read the replies to the previous blog.

Finally, those of you who replied to the previous blog before November 12th, will receive 5 points extra credit.

You are doing great, let's keep it going!
Ms. Tripp

Friday, November 5, 2010

Blog #3: Listing Attributes of a Problem

When considering a problem to solve, it is helpful to think of all the characteristics or attributes of the information given.  It is important to 'think outside of the box' and really expand your thinking to find a solution.
For example, in the problem below make a list of everything you may or may not need to solve the problem.  DO NOT state what your answer is, yet.  Instead, list the facts you think you may need to find the answer.

Problem #1
A printer uses 837 digits to number the pages of a book.  How many pages are there in the book?

Let's start the list with the following:
     1.  Each sheet in a book contains a front and a back page.  The front will be page 1 and the back will be page 2.


I want everyone to add one attribute they think will be needed to solve this problem.  Do not add an attribute that has already been used.  If you have any questions, see me in class.