Miss Trevino’s Talented

Kindergarteners.

Problem Solving
Texas Essential Knowledge and skills:
• Number and operations. The student applies mathematical process standards
to develop an understanding of addition and subtraction situations in order to
solve problems. The student is expected to:

• (A) model the action of joining to represent addition and the action of
separating to represent subtraction;

• (B) use a problem-solving model that incorporates analyzing given information,

formulating a plan or strategy, determining a solution, justifying the solution,
and evaluating the problem-solving process and the reasonableness of the
solution;
Problem:
• "A rubber ball rebounds to half the height it drops. If the ball is dropped from a
rooftop 18 m above the ground, what is the total distance traveled by the time it
hits the ground the third time?”

• a. 31.5 m

• b. 40.5 m

• c. 45 m

• d. 63 m
How to solve: Part one

• Draw a picture to explain the problem.

• Understanding exactly what the problem is stating is important to know.

18M

9M

4.5M

0M
How to solve: Part 2
• Understand that the ball dropped to zero then rebounded to half of the original
height. Leaving it to rebound at 9M.

18M

9M

OM
How to solve: Part 3
After seeing that it rebounded half of 18, You can take a logical guest
that it will rebound half each time. So now half of 9M is 4.5M.
After going from 4.5 it led us to 0M by the 3rd time it hits the ground.

18M

9M

4.5M

OM OM
How to solve: Part 4
• Once finding out the pattern, you add the numbers the ball went
through. Meaning you add up how much the ball really rebounded.

• 18M Is where it started

18
+ 9
• Went to 0.
+ 4.5
• 9M is where it rebounded to (First time)
31.5
• Went to 0.

• 4.5M is where it rebounded (Second time)

• Went back to 0. (Third time)

 Problem:

"A rubber ball rebounds to half the height it drops. If

the ball is dropped from a rooftop 18 m above the
ground, what is the total distance traveled by the time
it hits the ground the third time?”
a. 31.5 m
b. 40.5 m
c. 45 m
d. 63 m

Answer: A. 31.5
The distance traveled by
the ball by the 3rd time is
31.5. You find the pattern,
and add up the numbers.
Problem solving
finished: