Strategy 5: Writing an Equation and Using a Variable

Writing an equation is a strategy that is done by translating word problems to mathematical

statements using any letter that would represent the unknown in the problem.

Examples:

1. Find two numbers whose sum is 26 and whose product is 192.

Solution.
Step 1: Understanding the problem
We need to find the two numbers whose sum is 28 and whose product is 192

Step 2: Devising a Plan

To solve the problem we make use of the strategies using a variable and writing an
equation.
So we let x be the first number
y be the second number
The working equation now is x + y = 28 and xy = 192

Step 3: Carrying out the plan

We will now solve the problem using the given equations.
x + y = 28 and xy = 192

First we express x in terms of y in equation 1

So, we will have, x = 28 – y
Next, we substitute x = 28 – y in equation 2
Then, we have (28 – y)y = 192
Simplify the resulting equation. Hence we have
28y – y^2 = 192
y^2 – 28y + 192 = 0
Use factoring to find the value(s) of y in the equation.
(y – 12)(y – 16) = 0
Then we let y – 12 = 0 and y – 16 = 0 and we solve for y.
y = 12 and y = 16
If y = 12, x = 16 and if y = 16, x =12,
Thus, the two numbers are 12 and 16.
Step 4: Looking back
Our answer is correct because if we will add 12 and 16, the sum is 28. And if we will
multiply them, their product is 192.

STRATEGY 9: Solve a similar but simpler problem

Solve a simpler problem is something that mathematicians do all the time. They get
good at identifying way to make a problem simpler, and applying what they learned from the
simpler, and applying what they learned from the simpler problem to give them insight into
whatever they’re trying to figure out.

EXAMPLES:
1. One of the 16 iconic architectural structures in the Philippines is the National Theater –
Cultural Center of the Philippines complex. In front of it is shaped like a regular octagon.
What is the sum of the measure of the angles of an octagon?

Solution:

Step 1: Understanding the problem

What we know in the problem is the following: the shape of the pond is like a regular
octagon. Hence each angle of formed is of the same measure.
What we need to find is the sum of the measures of the octagon.

Step 2: Devising a plan

We will use the strategy “Solving a Similar but Simpler Problem” strategy and we will also
apply some concepts in geometry.

Step 3: Carrying out the Plan

First, we will draw a regular octagon, which will serve as our simple illustration of the
problem.