This document summarizes a class on using heuristics in primary mathematics problem solving. It discusses several heuristics that were covered: acting out problems, drawing diagrams, solving simpler problems, solving parts of problems, drawing tables, looking for patterns, and using algebra. It provides examples of how each heuristic was applied to solve sample problems involving money amounts, tangram pieces, arithmetic patterns, stick arrangements, symbolic equations, and tree distances.

1. MAP102 Problem Solving
Heuristics in Primary Mathematics
www.banhar.blogspot.com
Dr Yeap Ban Har
Marshall Cavendish Institute
yeapbanhar@gmail.com
Venue: Singapore Teachers’ Union

2. In today’s class we will use the following heuristics:
• Act it out
• Draw a diagram
• Solve a simpler problem
• Solve part of a problem
• Draw a table
• Look for a pattern
• Use algebra

4. Assuming Sam did not spend his money:
Jason had $837 - $360 - $270
Jason
= $207 at first.
Edward had $360 at
Edward
first.
Heuristics
Draw a Diagram Sam Sam had $270 at first.
$837 - $648 = $189
$189 x 3 = $570 - $3 = $567
$837 - $567 = $270
Jason had $207 at first.

5. Jason
$189 x 3 = $567
Edward
Sam

6. Jason
Edward
Sam

7. Heuristics
Act It Out
We found three different ways
to make a rectangle using three
tangram pieces.
This is the act it out heuristics.

11. 42, 24
2 4
Heuristics
Look for a Pattern
The difference
between 42 and 24 is
18.

13. Heuristics
Act It Out

15. We used 9 sticks to make three different
arrangements with four such triangles.
The least number of sticks used is 6!

18. We also solved these which were raised by participants
Each symbol stands for a number.
 +  +  +  +  + = 40
 x  = 40
What number does  stand for?
11 trees are in a road.
The distance between each tree is equal.
The distance between the 1st tree and 4th tree is 18m.
Find the distance between the 1st tree and last tree.

19. Try these with your kids!