Steps to successfully solve a POD

Steps to successfully solve a POD

1. Follow the five steps

2.  Read the problem you are solving once.

3. Re-read the problem a second time.  Underline the facts, or important information and the question.  At this time you are eliminating the unimportant facts.

4. Use lined-paper (loose-leaf) to do the following (you need to do all of these steps in order to be able to solve your problem:

o  Write down the number and title of the POD

o  Write down the facts (what you previously underlined)

o  Write down the question you are trying to solve

o  Remember the strategies we learned, choose the one you think will solve the problem you are working on (Guess and Check, Draw a picture, Make an organized list, Look for a pattern, Make a table or a chart, Use logical reasoning, or work backwards)

o  Write down all the steps (math sentences and equations) you are taking to solve the problem

o  Once you’ve solved the problem make sure the answer makes sense.

o  Always answer in a complete sentence.

        5. Double check to see if you followed the 5 steps       to solve the POD.

Remember be patient and don't give up.  After we have gone through all of the strategies you will be a pro at solving word problems!