Use a Formula
Other than guessing, using formulas may be the second most frequently used problem-solving strategy.
Formulas are also used in everyday life.
Example:
Matthew and Eric live 360 miles apart. They decide to meet for
a weekend camping trip at a campsite that is halfway between their
two hometowns. Matthew drives to the camp at an average speed of
60 miles per hour. Eric drives to the camp at an average speed of
45 miles per hour. How much longer will it take Eric to reach the
camp than Matthew?
For this problem, students need to recognize to use the distance
formula:
distance = rate x time
Then students need to adjust the formula so that they can solve for the time and substitute the values into the
formula for both friends:
time = distance/rate
Finally, students need to go back to the first step of Find
Out: "What is the question asking me to find?" and realize that
they will have to subtract to find "How much longer it will take Eric to
reach the camp?"
Answer: It will take Eric 1 hour more than Matthew to reach the camp. Did you realize that the
distance was 180 miles. Why?
Make sure students are aware that the GED Mathematics Test provides a formulas page that can be used
during the test. Review the formulas included on the page and how students can identify problems that
require the use of the formulas.
You may wish to print a copy of the formulas page that is used on the GED Mathematics Test for your
students. The formulas page is reprinted with permission of the GED Testing Service (c) 2001.
Click on the following file folder to view and print the formulas page.
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this file. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your
computer, click on the following icon to download this free program.
When you are finished, be sure to close the window by clicking on the X in the upper corner of the
window of the formulas page and the X in the window of the Adobe Acrobat Reader.
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