Problem Solving Approach

The following are some examples of problem solving strategies.

Explore it//Act it/Try it (EAT) method (Basic)

Explore it//Act it/Try it (EAT) method (Intermediate)

Explore it//Act it/Try it (EAT) method (Advanced)

Finding a Pattern (Basic)

Finding a Pattern (Intermediate)

Finding a Pattern (Advanced)

Explore It/Act It/Try It (EAT) Method (Advanced)

In this lesson, we will look at some advanced examples of the Explore it//Act it/Try it (EAT) method of problem solving strategy.

Example:

Nichole, Michelle, Hani and Shaun are each seated on a side of a square table. Based on the following information, find their seating arrangement and their professions.

a) The lawyer has to turn to her left to speak to Michelle.

b) Hani sits directly facing the lecturer.

c) Michelle is seated to the right of the engineer.

d) The doctor is seated to the left of Shaun.

Solution:

The diagrams show how the conditions in the question can be satisfied.

Example:

Starting from his house, Zack cycled the following path: 2 km North, 3 km East, 3 km North, 8 km West, 1 km North, 6 km West, 10 km South, 7 km East, and finally 4 km North. How far was Zack from his house when he completed the above journey?

Solution:

Draw a diagram of his journey.

Zack is 4 km from his house.

 

Example:

Ben is fencing up 4 separate enclosures for 4 different fowls as shown on the diagram below. Each enclosure measures 12 m by 9 m and Ben places vertical posts at 3 metres apart to support the fence. How many posts does Ben use altogether to put up the fencing?