Solved Exercises on Simple Solutions to Problems in Grade 1

Master simple solutions to problems: straightforward approaches to money math challenges.

Simple Solutions to Problems Concepts
🧮 IDENTIFY → CHOOSE → SOLVE → VERIFY
Simple Solution Process
Key Definitions:

Simple Solution: An easy-to-understand method to solve a problem

Problem: A question or situation that needs an answer

Money Problem: A problem involving coins, bills, and monetary transactions

Solution: The answer to a problem with clear steps

Simple Solution Method:
  1. Identify: Understand what the problem is asking
  2. Choose: Pick the right operation (add, subtract, count)
  3. Solve: Do the math carefully
  4. Verify: Check that your answer makes sense
Simple Solution Workflow
1
IDENTIFY
2
CHOOSE
3
SOLVE
4
VERIFY
Tip 1: Look for clue words like "more", "total", "left", "change".
Tip 2: Use your fingers or draw dots to help count.
Tip 3: Always check if your answer makes sense in real life.
Tip 4: Use real coins to practice and understand better.
Solution: Exercises 1 to 3
1 Simple Counting Solution
Exercise 1
👧
Anna has 4 dimes. How much money does Anna have?
Problem Analysis:

Coins: 4 dimes

Value: Dime = 10¢

Goal: Find total value of dimes

Simple Solution Steps:
  1. Identify: Anna has 4 dimes
  2. Choose: Multiply number of dimes by value
  3. Solve: 4 × 10¢ = 40¢
  4. Verify: 40¢ is reasonable for 4 dimes
Step 1: Identify coin value

1 dime = 10¢

Step 2: Count the dimes

Anna has: 4 dimes

Step 3: Multiply

4 × 10¢ = 40¢

Step 4: Express in dollars

40¢ = $0.40

Anna has 40¢ or $0.40
Final answer:

Anna has 40¢ or $0.40

Applied rules:

• Multiplication: Number of coins × Value per coin

• Simple Math: 4 × 10 = 40

• Verification: Answer is reasonable

2 Simple Addition Solution
Exercise 2
👦
Ben has 25¢. His brother gives him 35¢. How much money does Ben have now?
Problem Analysis:

Starting Amount: 25¢

Additional Amount: 35¢

Goal: Find total amount after receiving more money

Step 1: Identify starting amount

Ben starts with: 25¢

Step 2: Identify additional amount

Ben receives: 35¢

Step 3: Add the amounts

25¢ + 35¢ = 60¢

Step 4: Express in dollars

60¢ = $0.60

Ben has 60¢ or $0.60 now
Final answer:

Ben has 60¢ or $0.60 now

Applied rules:

• Addition: When combining amounts

• Same Units: Both amounts in cents

• Simple Math: 25 + 35 = 60

3 Simple Subtraction Solution
Exercise 3
👧
Emma had 80¢. She spent 45¢ on a toy. How much money does Emma have left?
Problem Analysis:

Starting Amount: 80¢

Amount Spent: 45¢

Goal: Find remaining amount after spending

Step 1: Identify starting amount

Emma starts with: 80¢

Step 2: Identify amount spent

Emma spent: 45¢

Step 3: Subtract

80¢ - 45¢ = 35¢

Step 4: Express in dollars

35¢ = $0.35

Emma has 35¢ or $0.35 left
Final answer:

Emma has 35¢ or $0.35 left

Applied rules:

• Subtraction: When taking away amounts

• Same Units: Both amounts in cents

• Simple Math: 80 - 45 = 35

Solution: Exercises 4 to 5
4 Simple Comparison Solution
Exercise 4
👦
Tom has 50¢.
👧
Sarah has 35¢. Who has more money and how much more?
Problem Analysis:

Tom's Money: 50¢

Sarah's Money: 35¢

Questions: Who has more? How much more?

Goal: Compare amounts and find difference

Step 1: Compare the amounts

Tom: 50¢, Sarah: 35¢

50¢ > 35¢

Step 2: Calculate the difference

50¢ - 35¢ = 15¢

Step 3: Answer both parts

Tom has more money

Tom has 15¢ more than Sarah

Step 4: Express in dollars

15¢ = $0.15

Tom has more money by 15¢
Final answer:

Tom has more money by 15¢

Applied rules:

• Comparison: Compare values to determine greater amount

• Subtraction: Find difference between amounts

• Simple Math: 50 - 35 = 15

5 Simple Multi-Step Solution
Exercise 5
👧
Lisa started with 70¢. She spent 25¢ on stickers. Then her mom gave her 20¢. How much money does Lisa have now?
Problem Analysis:

Starting Amount: 70¢

Amount Spent: 25¢

Amount Received: 20¢

Goal: Find final amount after all transactions

Step 1: Start with initial amount

Lisa starts with: 70¢

Step 2: Subtract amount spent

70¢ - 25¢ = 45¢

Step 3: Add amount received

45¢ + 20¢ = 65¢

Step 4: Express in dollars

65¢ = $0.65

Lisa has 65¢ or $0.65 now
Final answer:

Lisa has 65¢ or $0.65 now

Applied rules:

• Sequential Operations: Follow events in order

• Simple Math: 70 - 25 + 20 = 65

• Verification: Final amount is reasonable

Questions & Answers

Question: How do I know if my solution is simple enough?

Answer: A simple solution should:

  • Use basic operations: Addition, subtraction, or simple counting
  • Have clear steps: Each step should be easy to follow
  • Be short: Not too many steps or complicated calculations
  • Make sense: The answer should be reasonable and correct
  • Use familiar concepts: Nothing too advanced for your grade level

If you can explain your solution to a friend and they understand it easily, then it's probably simple enough.

Question: How can I encourage my child to use simple solutions?

Answer: Encourage simple solutions by:

  1. Practicing regularly: Daily math practice builds confidence
  2. Using real objects: Count with coins, use fingers, or draw pictures
  3. Breaking problems down: Solve one part at a time
  4. Celebrating success: Praise for using simple, correct methods
  5. Asking questions: "Can you solve this another way?"

Remember, the simplest solution that works is often the best solution!

Question: What makes a solution truly simple for young learners?

Answer: Simple solutions for young learners:

  • Use familiar operations: Addition and subtraction within 100
  • Have 2-3 steps maximum: Not too complex or lengthy
  • Include visual aids: Drawings, pictures, or physical objects
  • Relate to real life: Use familiar contexts like shopping or saving
  • Build on prior knowledge: Connect to what they already know
  • Are easy to verify: Students can check their own work

The goal is to build confidence and understanding, not to complicate simple problems.