The GUESS Method What is GUESS The GUESS

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The GUESS Method

The GUESS Method

What is GUESS • The GUESS method is a systematic way of solving problems.

What is GUESS • The GUESS method is a systematic way of solving problems. • Each letter in GUESS stands for a portion of the problem

GUESS • G: • Stands for “given. ” • List every number given (with

GUESS • G: • Stands for “given. ” • List every number given (with units) and attach a variable to that number.

Example: A train moves 45 km in 2 hours. What was the trains speed?

Example: A train moves 45 km in 2 hours. What was the trains speed? • What are the givens? Write them down. • d = 45 km • t = 2 hrs • Don’t do this: • 45 km, 2 hrs. • This tells you NOTHING. And you will be the nonhip person re-reading the story problem.

GUESS • U: Unknown • What’s the problem asking for? • Again, list it

GUESS • U: Unknown • What’s the problem asking for? • Again, list it as a variable UNDER your givens.

Example: A train moves 45 km in 2 hours. What was the trains speed?

Example: A train moves 45 km in 2 hours. What was the trains speed? • U: • v=? • Record it with a question mark or an “x” like in algebra.

GUESS • E = Equation • Here you copy the equation and manipulate it

GUESS • E = Equation • Here you copy the equation and manipulate it if necessary. (We’ll get to the manipulation thing later. ) • v = d/t

GUESS • S: Substitute • Substitute the letters for the numbers:

GUESS • S: Substitute • Substitute the letters for the numbers:

Example: A train moves 45 km in 2 hours. What was the trains speed?

Example: A train moves 45 km in 2 hours. What was the trains speed? • d= 45 km • t = 2 hrs • v=? • v = d/t • v = 45 km/2 hrs

GUESS • S: Solve with a UNIT • Now you do the math and

GUESS • S: Solve with a UNIT • Now you do the math and include a unit. • 45 km/2 hr = 22. 5 km/hr.

Seems like a lot of writing for just a little problem, right? • We’re

Seems like a lot of writing for just a little problem, right? • We’re doing this now so that you can practice for the tougher problems. • KE = ½mv 2 • PE = mgh • a = vf – vi/t • Yikes.

Remember… • Each and EVERY math problem you do in here from today until

Remember… • Each and EVERY math problem you do in here from today until forever will require the GUESS method unless otherwise indicated by your instructor. • Each problem is now worth 6 points – 1 pt for each letter, and the 6 th point is for including a unit. • This is great news, because even if you’re terrible at math, you’ll still get 5 out of 6 points pretty much every time.

Let’s practice What variable letters will you assign to each value? • • 35

Let’s practice What variable letters will you assign to each value? • • 35 m 15 minutes 35 miles per hour 2 inches 7 feet 3 hours 45 km/hr 67 m/s • • d t v or s d d t v or s

Practice with GUESS • You travel 45 feet in 30 seconds when you walk

Practice with GUESS • You travel 45 feet in 30 seconds when you walk down the hallway between classes. • What is your velocity?

GUESS Method Setup • d = 45 ft • t = 30 s •

GUESS Method Setup • d = 45 ft • t = 30 s • v=? • v = d/t • v = 45 ft/30 s • v = 1. 5 ft/s

A word of advice… • USE PAPER!!! • Don’t cram your work onto one

A word of advice… • USE PAPER!!! • Don’t cram your work onto one line! • List 1 variable per line ONLY!