The Famous Four-Step Problem Solving Plan

Step one – Think about it. What is the question or problem?

Step two – Choose a plan. Examine your choices and pick a strategy. Strategies include:

Act it out
Work backwards
Write an equation
Make an organized list
Guess and check
Find a pattern
Draw a diagram
Estimate
Use simpler numbers
Logical thinking

Step three – Carry out your plan. Work through the problem carefully.

Step four – Check your answer. Does the solution work?