Wednesday, December 16, 2015

[S1_20151216] Using a Table to Organise Information for Algebra

Problem

The average monthly salary of  m  male employees and  f  female employees of a company is  $2 000.  If the average monthly salary of the male employees is 
$(b + 200), find the average monthly salary of the female employee.

Introduction
     This Secondary 1 (~ grade 7) problem in introductory algebra is challenging due to the multitude of pieces of information and their interrelationships.  Using tables is a good strategy to help us organise the information.  

Strategy
     What we do is to fill up each piece of given information in the table first (shown in green below).  Once that is done, proceed to figure out the other blank cells of the table.  The more you do that, the more you would be able to figure out the rest, until you get the solution.

Solution


 Final Remark
     I hope you enjoyed this tip!


H02. Use a diagram / model
H03. Make a systematic list
H04. Look for pattern(s)
H05. Work backwards
H10. Simplify the problem
H11. Solve part of the problem
H13* Use Equation / write a Mathematical Sentence

Suitable Levels
Lower Secondary Mathematics (Secondary 1)
GCE ‘O’ Level “Elementary” Mathematics (revision)
* other syllabuses that involve ratios or algebra




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