A1.1 What to do when it's hard
Hard problems need strategies, not just effort: restate the question in your own words, try a smaller case, draw it, work backwards, or check a guess. Frustration is a cue to switch strategy, not to push harder on the same one.
Example
Solve: A number doubled, then 7 added, gives 31. What is the number?
- Work backwards: 31 − 7 = 24, then 24 ÷ 2 = 12.
- Check forwards: 12 × 2 = 24, 24 + 7 = 31. ✓
- Name the strategy you used so you can reuse it.
Remember: Explaining a method to a classmate is a strategy too — gaps show up when you say it aloud.