Word Problem Solving Strategies

Problems with More than One Answer

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Some problems have more than one answer. When you find an answer to a problem, don't stop there. Ask yourself if there might be other answers.

The villagers were building a bridge. While working under the bridge Rodney could see only the legs of those walking by. He counted 10 legs in one group. What combination of sheep and children could have been in that group?

Try 3 people and 2 sheep.
6 legs + 8 legs = 14 legs
I can use guess and check.
That's too many legs.
Try 3 people and 1 sheep
6 legs + 4 legs = 10 legs
Correct! Rodney saw 10 legs.

I can check for other answers. I'll organize my work in a table.

People	Legs	Sheep	Legs	Total
1	2	2	8	10 ok
2	4	2	8	12 not ok
3	6	1	4	10 ok
4	8	1	4	12 not ok

There are two possible answers: 1 person and 2 sheep, or 3 people and 1 sheep.

TRY IT OUT

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