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8 Math Heuristics Poster

Visual guide to the 8 essential problem-solving strategies for Primary Math.

1. Draw a Model

  • • Comparison Model: Use when one quantity is 'more than' another
  • • Stacking/Unit Model: Use for ratio and fraction 'Units and Parts' problems

2. Make a Systematic List

  • • Organize data in a table to ensure no cases are missed (e.g. Area/Perimeter variations)

3. Work Backwards

  • • Inverse Operations: Addition ↔ Subtraction, Multiplication ↔ Division
  • • Start from the final quantity and reverse each step

4. Look for Patterns

  • • Identify the 'Common Difference' or 'Common Ratio' in number sequences
  • • Figure Numbers vs Number of Matchsticks patterns

5. Guess and Check / Assumption

  • • Assumption Method: 'Assume all are Type A' to find the difference from the total
  • • Guess & Check: Use a 3-column table (Guess, Calculation, Check)

6. Act It Out / Realia

  • • Phyiscally or mentally simulate the steps described in the problem (useful for 'Flow' problems)

7. Draw a Diagram

  • • Timelines (for Speed/Time problems) or Venn Diagrams (for overlapping groups)

8. Simplify the Problem

  • • Replace large numbers with simpler ones to identify the required operation
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