Word Problem Solving Strategies

Work Backwards

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To solve some problems, you may need to undo the key actions in the problem. This strategy is called Work Backward.

The castle kitchen servants brought in 4 pies left over from the feast. 12 pies were eaten at the feast. Queen Mab took 2 home with her. How many pies did the servants bring into the feast at the beginning?

• First, I'll account for all the pies that were eaten or taken home.
• 12 + 2 = 14
• Then I'll add the 4 pies that were left over.
• 14 + 4 + 18
• Therefore, there must have been 18 pies at the start of the feast.

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