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PSLE Math Heuristics: Problem-Solving Strategies
Learn how PSLE Math Heuristics help Primary 3 to 6 students recognise problem types, choose suitable strategies and solve challenging Math problems systematically.
Taught by Mr Lawrence Ong, NIE-trained former MOE Primary School teacher and Primary Math Heuristics Specialist.
A Systematic 3-Step Approach to Solving Math Problems
Recognise
Recognise
Recognise
Understand the problem structure and identify the important information and relationships.
Select
Recognise
Recognise
Choose an appropriate heuristic or problem-solving strategy for the problem.
Apply
Recognise
Apply
Use the selected strategy systematically to work towards the solution.
Essential PSLE Math Heuristics Students Should Learn
Model Drawing
Finding a Pattern
Finding a Pattern
Visualise quantities and relationships to understand complex problems
Finding a Pattern
Finding a Pattern
Finding a Pattern
Identify patterns and use them to solve complex problems systematically.
Guess and Check
Finding a Pattern
Guess and Check
Make systematic guesses and refine them logically to find the solution.
Draw a Diagram
Finding a Pattern
Guess and Check
Use simple diagrams to visualise information and uncover relationships.
Grouping Method
Before and After Table
Before and After Table
Organise quantities into groups to reveal relationships and simplify the problem.
Before and After Table
Before and After Table
Before and After Table
Organise information before and after a change to solve problems systematically.
Systematic Listing
Before and After Table
Systematic Listing
List out possibilities systematically to identify all possible solutions without missing any.
Assumption Method
Before and After Table
Systematic Listing
Assume all items are of one type, then use the resulting difference to determine the number of each type.
Visual Spatialization Skills
Visual Spatialization Skills
Visual Spatialization Skills
Visualise shapes, positions and spatial relationships mentally to understand and solve challenging Math problems.
Logical Reasoning
Visual Spatialization Skills
Visual Spatialization Skills
Use the clues given to make logical deductions and work systematically towards the correct solution.
Working Backwards
Visual Spatialization Skills
Speed Distance Time Line
Start with the final result given in the problem and work backwards step by step to find the starting value.
Speed Distance Time Line
Visual Spatialization Skills
Speed Distance Time Line
Organise speed, distance and time on a timeline to make the journey easier to understand and solve.
Watch Mr Ong Explain the Assumption Method
Watch Mr Lawrence Ong work through this problem and explain how the Assumption Method can be applied step by step.
