Mathematics · Pearson Edexcel 9MA0 · Topic OT2

Mathematical problem solving

Solving unfamiliar problems, using numerical methods where needed, judging accuracy and explaining what the answer means. Applies to every paper.

  • 7 sub-topics
  • Taught in Year 13
  • 45 practice questions
  • 7 animated lessons
Practice questions (45) Lessons Worksheets All Edexcel Mathematics topics

What the specification says

Every sub-topic Pearson Edexcel can examine in this topic, with its reference number from the official specification. The Y12 and Y13 tags show when each sub-topic is usually taught.

  1. OT2.1Recognise the underlying structure of a problemY13
  2. OT2.2Extended arguments for unstructured problemsY13
  3. OT2.3Interpret solutions in contextY13
  4. OT2.4Numerical methods to a required accuracyY13
  5. OT2.5Accuracy and limitations of solutionsY13
  6. OT2.6The problem-solving cycleY13
  7. OT2.7Diagrams in problem solvingY13

Try 2 questions

Easy and medium questions from this topic, each with a worked solutions and the mark for every step. All 45 questions in this topic, free, no account needed.

Mathematical problem solving

Easy

Working through a long problem · Year 12 · 1 mark

  1. Which is good practice in a long problem with several stages?
    (1)

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  1. Rounding early can make the final answer wrong, and unexplained working cannot earn method marks.DD: Say what each new letter stands for, and keep exact values until the final answer

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Mathematical problem solving

Medium

Structure of a problem · Year 12 · 3 marks

  1. A rectangle has perimeter 40 cm. Show that its area A=x(20−x)A = x(20 - x) and find the maximum area.
    (3)
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  1. y=20−xy = 20 - x
  2. A=x(20−x)A = x(20 - x)
  3. max⁡ at x\max \text{ at } x=10: 100 cm2{}= 10: \ 100\ \mathrm{cm^2}

Total3

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