This slide is meant to help students understand the process of problem solving, just as they do with the Scientific Method in performing experiments. Students should use this reference to help them with problem solving throughout the entire 7th grade math course.

1. The Mathematical Method
The Mathematics Method is very similar to the Scientific
Method in that there is a certain process to follow to prove or
defend your answer. What this does for you (the student) is
validates your work, meaning that it helps you feel confident that
it makes sense and that result is correct. It also helps you defend
or prove your work when giving your results to others.
Be careful! Once you have devised your plan; the only way to
verify your results are to show it in another way! If you are
unable to do so and get the same result, then your result is not
valid and you MUST go back and devise another plan! Use this
method all year as a means of support on homework, in-class
assignments and with assessments. Study the diagram on the
next slide, then read the more detailed version that comes next!

3. The Mathematical Method
Understand the Problem
Devise a Plan
• Look for a pattern verifying means that you
• Examine related problems can show another way to
• Look at a simpler case solve your problem and get
• Make a table or list the EXACT same result.
• Draw a picture
• Write an equation If your results cannot be
• Guess and check verified, GO BACK and
• Work backward devise another plan!
• Use direct or indirect reasoning
Once your result(s) have been
Carry out the Plan verified,
Perform the plan you chose
Report your results!
Validate your results
Does your answer make sense?
Did you answer the question that
was asked?
Is there another way you can find
the solution?