Problem Solving
How can you use what you’ve learned to solve a real-world problem?
Goal:
Goal:
Practice!
Goal: Apply what you’ve learned in this lesson to solve a real-world problem.
Caleb just discovered that they do not have a checkered flag for the RC Race. The organizer of the race asks if Caleb can make one out of the white flag he found. Click through the slides to see how Caleb creates a checkered flag.
Word Problem Solving Steps
- Read the problem.
- Look for important information.
- Write a math sentence.
- Choose a way to solve.
- Solve and label your answer.
Total Squares
Caleb decides how many parts to partition the flag into.
The white flag Caleb was given was not very big. He measures the flag and finds that it is 18 inches long and 12 inches wide. Since the flag is so small, he decides to partition the flag into 24 equal squares.
The white racing flag. 18 inches long and 12 inches
wide.
Vertical Lines
Caleb is going to first partition the shape into 6 vertical parts.
Since the flag is 18 inches long, Caleb can make 6 vertical columns that are 3 inches wide. Using a ruler, Caleb marks off every 3 inches across the top of the flag. Then, he uses his ruler to draw a straight line down from each mark to the bottom of the flag, creating 6 equal parts.
The white racing flag partitioned into 6 equal parts by
5 vertical lines.
Horizontal Lines
Caleb then partitions the shape into 4 horizontal parts.
The flag is 12 inches wide, so Caleb can make 4 horizontal rows that also measure 3 inches. Using a ruler, Caleb marks off every 3 inches along the side of the flag. Then, he uses his ruler to draw a straight line from one mark to the other side of the flag, creating 4 equal horizontal parts.
The white racing flag partitioned into 6 equal parts by
5 vertical lines. Then partitioned into 24 equal parts
by 3 horizontal lines.
Equal Parts
Caleb checks to make sure he has equal parts.
Caleb checks his work by measuring the squares to ensure that they are all the same size. Each one measures 3 inches by 3 inches. He has successfully made 24 equal parts. Each square is \(\Large\frac{1}{24}\) of the whole flag. The last thing he does is color in every other square with a black marker.
The white racing flag partitioned into 6 equal parts by
5 vertical lines. Then partitioned into 24 equal parts
by 3 horizontal lines. 1 unit is 3 inches in length and
3 inches wide.
Finished Flag
Caleb has finished the flag.
When Caleb is done coloring in every other square, he shows the finished flag to the organizer of the race. “That is amazing!” he says. “Caleb, you’ve saved the race! Great job!”
The white racing flag partitioned into 6 equal parts by
5 vertical lines. Then partitioned into 24 equal parts
by 3 horizontal lines. The flag is filled in with a
checked pattern.
Question
Caleb found a bigger white flag and decided to make another checkered flag. This time he made 8 vertical parts and 6 horizontal parts for a total of 48 squares. What fraction of the flag does each square represent?
Each square represents \(\Large\frac{1}{48}\) of the whole flag.