How is math problem solving? Presenting a problem and developing the skills needed to solve a problem is more motivational than teaching the skills without a context. Through the candy bar problem, the students are given the chance to use what they know in regards to concepts and procedures and apply those skills to an unfamiliar or "outside of the box" situation. One of the aims of teaching through problem solving is to encourage students to refine and build onto their own processes over a period of time while their experiences allows them to discard some ideas and try something new.
Favorite Math Problem - The Candy Bar Problem
65 candy bars were to be shared by a group of children. Each Pascal bar was cut in half, and one piece was given to each child. Every Fermat bar was cut in thirds, and each Mandelbrot bar was cut in quarters, and these pieces were equally distributed to the children. How many children were in the group if all 65 candy bars were shared?
65 candy bars were to be shared by a group of children. Each Pascal bar was cut in half, and one piece was given to each child. Every Fermat bar was cut in thirds, and each Mandelbrot bar was cut in quarters, and these pieces were equally distributed to the children. How many children were in the group if all 65 candy bars were shared?