Problem Solving Strategies

Look for Patterns

Read
Read the problem.
Jack’s pet tinks breed at a fast rate.
After one month there are 5 tinks, after two months 15, after
three months 25, after four months 35.
How many tinks will Jack own after 8 months?

Plan
Is there a pattern in the information?
Underline the main information.
Is there a pattern?

Work
Write the pattern out.
1 month = 5 tinks; 2 months = 15 tinks;
3 months = 25 tinks; 4 months = 35 tinks
Continue adding tinks every month
until 8 months.
The tinks are growing by 10.
There will be 75 tinks in 8 months.

Check
Check your answer.
Reread the problem.
Check your working.
Is your answer reasonable?

xvi Australian Curriculum Targeting Maths Teacher Guide Year 6 • 978-1-7421-57085