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Problem Solving – includes a variety of strategies such as guess and check, logical reasoning, and working backwards to solve simple and multi-step problems in all mathematical areas.

Important Note: Many test versions do not have problem solving broken out as a separate goal, but have it embedded it into the other goal areas as an integrated piece.

Skills and Concepts                                                         

RIT scores between 161 and 170

bulletSolve simple addition word problems

New Vocabulary in this Range: how many, not, in all, altogether

New Signs and Symbols: none

RIT scores between 171 and 180

bulletSolve simple subtraction word problems
bulletUse a problem solving process (as defined by text)
bulletRecognize and extend a pattern: shape, color and size
bulletIdentify position concepts: over, under, inside, outside, in front, behind, top, middle, bottom
bulletCombine and identify the value of a collection of coins and bills up to and including $1.00
bulletCompare objects by shape, size, height, or length (larger, smaller, taller, shorter, longer)
bulletComplete and interpret simple picture graphs, bar graphs or tables

New Vocabulary in this Range: product, number sentence, problem, how many more, multiples, greater than, left, how much, money, answer, about, outside, inside, shape, calendar, picture

New Signs and Symbols: none

RIT scores between 181 and 190

bulletFind and extend patterns, both increasing and decreasing
bulletMake predictions for events (likely or unlikely)
bulletDetermine what operation is needed to solve a word problem (addition and subtraction)
bulletSolve simple word problems using addition and subtraction
bulletSolve simple word problems based on data from picture and bar graphs
bulletSolve for missing addends in an addition and subtraction number sentence
bulletSolve one-step word problems involving addition or subtraction of four or fewer digits
bulletSolve one-step word problems involving division
bulletIdentify extra information or missing information that is necessary to solve word problems
bulletChoose and apply an appropriate problem solving strategy: Draw a picture, Make a model, Guess and test, Make a list, Make a table, or Find a pattern
bulletSolve problems using information from a bar graph
bulletCompute and count change up to and including $5.00, addition and subtraction only
bulletConstruct and interpret line graphs involving problem solving

New Vocabulary in this Range: add, subtract, multiply, divide, rate, kilometers, hours, between, equals, cost, time, less than, closest to, equation, weigh, minutes, pieces, dozen, cups, inches, pounds, miles, sum, dime, nickel, pennies, quarter

New Signs and Symbols: +, $, decimal point for cents, ¢

RIT scores between 191 and 200

bulletIdentify the correct information to solve addition and subtraction word problems
bulletSolve one-step word problems involving multiplication and division, including money
bulletEstimate the answers to word problems
bulletDetermine what operation is needed to solve a word problem (all four operations)
bulletChoose and apply an appropriate problem solving strategy: Draw a picture, Make a model, Guess and test, Make a list, Make a table, Find a pattern, Work backwards, Solve a simpler problem, or Draw a diagram
bulletSolve word problems involving any combination of basic operations on whole numbers (one-step problems)
bulletWrite a number sentence to solve one-step word problems involving the operations of addition, subtraction, and multiplication of fractions and decimals
bulletSolve multi-step word problems involving any combination of basic operations
bulletConstruct and solve word problems involving information from a table
bulletUnderstand the concept of ratio using concrete and pictorial models
bulletSolve one- and two-step word problems involving any combination of basic operations on whole numbers, decimals, and fractions

New Vocabulary in this Range: terms, meter, millimeters, kilogram, feet, yards, unit of measurement, height, thousands, hundreds, tens, table, graph, length, width, rectangular, area, square inches, exactly, coins, numeral, even, change, average, opposite, percent, subtrahend, addend, formula, circle, diameter, operation, total, fact, fraction, surfaces, cube, temperature, first – fifth (ordinal names), difference, equivalent

New Signs and Symbols: tally marks, =, - as an integer sign, %, ° C, for answer

RIT scores between 201 and 210

bulletEstimate the answers to word problems
bulletSolve written word problems involving the addition or subtraction of monetary amounts
bulletList the prime and composite numbers less than 50 in a word problem
bulletOrder integers on a number line
bulletInterpret data given in percent form on a circle graph and broken line graph
bulletSolve word problems involving customary and metric measurement
bulletSolve word problems involving distance, rate and time
bulletUse logic to solve problems
bulletSolve word problems using proportional reasoning
bulletSolve geometry problems by making a drawing or diagram
bulletChoose and use an appropriate problem solving strategy: Draw a picture, Make a model, Guess and test, Make a list, Make a table, Find a pattern, Work backwards, Solve a simpler problem, Draw a diagram, Write an equation, or Logical Deduction

New Vocabulary in this Range: equation, product, increased, number line, information not needed, division, estimate, odd, prime, cube, pattern, geometric patterns, extra information

New Signs and Symbols: r x t = d

RIT scores between 211 and 220

bulletCompute word problems with time and calendars
bulletInvestigate experimental probability of an event using a coin or spinner
bulletSolve practical word problems involving perimeter and area of a square, rectangle or triangle
bulletUnderstand and identify the place value and value of each digit in numerals through the billions
bulletSolve practical problems involving the mean (average) of a set of numbers
bulletSolve one- and two-step word problems involving any combination of basic operations on whole numbers, decimals, and fractions
bulletDetermine the discount price and sale price
bulletChoose and use an appropriate problem solving strategy: Draw a picture, Make a model, Guess and test, Make a list, Make a table, Find a pattern, Work backwards, Solve a simpler problem, Draw a diagram, or Write an equation
bulletSolve problems involving arrangements
bulletUnderstand the properties of integers: commutative, associative, identity, zero property of multiplication, distributive property of multiplication over addition, and inverse property of addition
bulletCalculate the square of any number less than 100
bulletCalculate the cost of one item or the unit cost using a proportion

New Vocabulary in this Range: decimals, fractions, what shape, hour, minutes, gallons, average, probability, graph, squares

New Signs and Symbols: %

RIT scores between 221 and 230

bulletChoose and use an appropriate problem solving strategy: Draw a picture, Make a model, Guess and test, Make a list, Make a table, Find a pattern, Work backwards, Solve a simpler problem, Draw a diagram, or Write an equation
bulletSelect the appropriate unit of measure for length and area
bulletWrite and solve an equation using ratios, given a word problem
bulletWrite and solve an equation for a word problem
bulletAnalyze circles: center, chord, diameter, radius, arc, semicircle, and circumference
bulletSolve simple interest problems (amount x rate x time)
bulletUse estimation to determine if solutions to word problems are reasonable
bulletPredict outcomes using probability

New Vocabulary in this Range: mortality, odometer, magic square, deducted, less than twice, addends, less than sum, rectangle, diameter, radius, label (units), area, perimeter

New Signs and Symbols: I = prt

RIT scores between 231 and 240

bulletUse logic to predict outcomes
bulletWork backwards to solve problems
bulletSolve multi-step problems involving computation
bulletFind correct mathematical expressions to represent word problems
bulletFind simple interest earned
bulletFind missing numbers in a diagram by using patterns
bulletUse map scales to solve problems
bulletSolve if-then logic problems
bulletSolve complex word problems involving ratio, percent, discount, sale price, rounding and estimation, averaging, length, volume, rate, calendars, probability, money, and time
bulletGiven the answer to a problem, determine the question
bulletFormulate expressions and equations to model problem solving situation

New Vocabulary in this Range: regression equation

New Signs and Symbols: none

RIT scores between 241 and 250

bulletSolve complex word problems involving rate, ratio, percent, averages, and sale price
bulletSolve problems involving regression equations
bulletManipulate problems with time and a half and overtime wages
bulletActual versus precise measurements
bulletUse of symmetry to determine grouping properties
bulletCompare volume of different dimensional containers
bulletUse a matrix to identify given figure on a graph
bulletWrite the converse of a geometric statement
bulletSelect appropriate unit of measure

New Vocabulary in this Range: matrix

New Signs and Symbols: none

RIT scores between 251 and 260

bulletSolve problems involving ratio of a side of a figure to its area, perimeter, or volume
bulletDetermine proportional parts of a number
bulletUse proportional relationships to determine lengths of sides of a figure that are represented by algebraic relationships
bulletSolve complex word problems with surface area, area, circumscribed figures, Pythagorean Theorem, consecutive integers
bulletUse clues given in word problems to decode correct answer
bulletDetermine correct formula needed to solve problem
bulletMultiplication of matrices

New Vocabulary in this Range: none

New Signs and Symbols: none

RIT scores between 261 and 270

bulletSolve complex geometry, algebra, and probability problems

New Vocabulary in this Range: none

New Signs and Symbols: none

RIT scores between 271 and 280

bulletSolve problems involving successive discounts and rate of interest

New Vocabulary in this Range: none

New Signs and Symbols: none

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