1. One way to solve this problem is to make a reasonable guess: We can guess a number that is the common multiple of 2, 3, and 4. By testing, we will be able to find the correct answer to this problem.
2. Yes. This method can somehow broaden students' perspective and understand the universal use of mathematics. Also, it can promote a great sense of inclusion and engagement by practicing some of the problems from their country or the countries they are interested in.
Hi Sally, your approach of making a reasonable guess based on the common multiple of 2, 3, and 4 is a practical and effective strategy. What is your next step in the problem-solving process? Are you planning to continue testing numbers?
ReplyDeleteFrom the question:
Delete-Every 2 guests used 1 dish of rice.
-Every 3 guests used 1 dish of broth.
-Every 4 guests used 1 dish of meat.
The total number of guests must be a multiple of 2, 3, and 4 since dishes are shared among them. Then I will test the common multiples of 2, 3, and 4:
If 12 guests:
Rice dishes = 12/2 = 6
Broth dishes = 12/3 = 4
Meat dishes = 12/4 = 3
Total dishes = 6 + 4 + 3 = 13
13 is far from 65.
I would like to try a larger common multiple:
48 guests:
Rice dishes = 48/2 = 24
Broth dishes = 48/3 = 16
Meat dishes = 48/4 = 12
Total dishes = 24 + 16 + 12 = 52
For 60 guests:
Rice dishes = 60/2 = 30
Broth dishes = 60/3 = 20
Meat dishes = 60/4 = 15
Total dishes = 30 + 20 + 15 = 65
Finally I generate the answer is 60 guests.