Singapore Math 5 (A Grade 7 Problem from a Singapore Text)

[drekkiutu]

it's a homework of my daughter's -no book reference. I do know how to solve it algebraically. I just can't figure out how to solve it using the model method.

[Coolblueocean2001]

@drekkiutu

What grade does she go to? I don't have a visual solution myself. If I can come up with it I will post it.

[Coolblueocean2001]

The purpose of visual solution is to provide conceptual understanding for higher level math like algebra. I don't believe we are trying to say and that every single problem should be taught visually.

When students take higher level math courses without having a sound knowledge of basic mathematical ideas they struggle and at times fail.

However, I do appreciate your comment, and the problem.

Do you have a visual solution to your problem? I am just curious!

[Coolblueocean2001]

I don't see a visual solution to your problem right away. Doesn't mean it doesn't exit. I am assuming by "Sing math" you mean visual solution.

Here is an algebraic solution.

Suppose it takes Ted t hours to complete the job all by himself.

Then the following must be true.

(1/t)+[1/(t+9)]= 1/20

The positive solution to the quadratic equation is 36.

So Ted takes 36 hours and Joey takes 45 hours to do the job!

[drekkiutu]

Pls help me solve using Sing math:

Joey and Ted’s jobs are to construct fences. Mrs. Merrick wants them to make a fence for her. She is going to pay the worker who works faster, higher. It takes Joey 9 hours longer to construct a fence than it takes Ted. If they work together, they can construct the fence in 20 hours. How long would it take each working alone to construct the fence?

[Coolblueocean2001]

Could you give me the complete reference, (name and publisher) of the book and the page number as well?

[clubbya]

That's great. I remember how difficult it was as a child to understand fractional math problems. This visual approach makes it quite clear. Very interesting approach. With Singapore's math scores among the best in the world, there must be something to it.