Use the 4-step problem solving process to solve this problem.

Use the scoring rubric as a

guide. Evaluate your solution on the scoring guide and attach one to your paper.

Patricias Money
Patricia has $12 more than Rhoda and $15 more than Sarah. Together all three have
$87. How much money does Patricia have?


Understanding the Problem: I have to find the amount of money that Patricia has,
which should be more than both Rhoda and Sarah. I also know that all three amounts of
money should add up to total $87.


Make a Plan: This problem is actually the first problem that I am going to attempt to
find an equation, but when I started thinking about it, I didnt know how to solve the
equation. My next idea was to start with a number and then use the guess and check
method to find the answer. I will choose an amount for Patricia and then find the amount
for the other girls based on the problem. Then I will add up the three numbers until I get
$87. Since the amount was about $90, I started with $30 since 90/3 is 30. If that doesnt
work, I will then add three dollars to the amount.


Carry out Plan:


Patricia 30 33 36 39 38
Rhoda 18 21 24 27 26
Sarah 15 18 21 24 23
Total 63 72 81 90 87


Patricia has $38.

Looking Back: I am sure that a formula would have been a quicker method, but I am
still working on my algebraic skills! Once I got to $39 for Patricia, I was going to have
too much money, so I had to backtrack and try $38. Looking at my answer, it seems
reasonable since $38 is more than the other two girls, and it is less than half of the
money.

To check my answer, I was able to come up with a formula, which was
x + (x + 12) + (x + 15) = 87

With Patricias amount being x, I was able to prove that it makes this number sentence
true!




Your Name: A. Dajero Date due: July 11, 2014

Name of the problem: Patricias Money

Problem Solving Rubric

Characteristics Points
Possible
Self-
Score
Instructors
Score
Understand the Problem
Demonstrates clear understanding of the problem, which
could include:
Restates the question(s) in own words,
States the given,
Defines the variables, and/or labels a diagram,
Clarifies the definitions of key words in the problem.




1
1

Make a plan:
Explains your strategy


1 1

Implement and Carry out the Plan:
Discusses any initial strategies that did not work.
Gives a logical explanation of how the answer was
achieved using appropriate details, mathematical
vocabulary, and notation.
Thought process is clearly articulated.
Includes pertinent diagrams, tables, sketches,
equations, graphs, etc.
Final answer is clear, complete, stated in a complete
sentence, and correct.







2
2

Looking Back: Reflects on the Problem and Process
Is your answer reasonable?
Can you check your answer?
Did you learn anything from doing the problem?
Can you see a pattern that would lead to a
generalization?
Does this problem make you think of any other related
questions?





1
1


Total Score

5
5