This week in our Problem Solving class, we worked in small groups to solve a 'Harry Potter' problem. It was quite a difficult problem and it really made us think! Some of us offered to take the problem home.
The problem was ...
'Harry Potter has asked his friend Hermione for a potion to turn them and their friend Ron into birds (the flying car is in for repairs, so they need to make the trip to Diagon Alley as birds).
Diagon Alley is 9 miles away and a dose of Hermione's potion lasts 50 mins. They only have enough potion for one dose each. If they can go 24 miles an hour as birds, and they start at 4.30 p.m., can they get to Diagon Alley and back to Hogwarts again before the potion runs out at 5. 20 p.m.? If so, how much time will they be able to spend in the Alley?
Some things to think about!
- What is the question really asking (don't be distracted by extra information!)
- Maybe you could draw a picture to represent the places and put in what information you have.
- You might want to re-write the problem in your own words.
- Take it 'one step at a time'!
- Try making an estimate of what you think the answer might be.
- Checkyour work as you go along
- If you arrive at an answer, how does it compare to your estimate?
We've made a podcast of two different attempts to solve the problem. Kirsty, Dana and Emily (pictured above) worked as a trio, and Brenna (picture to follow!) worked with her mum. Click the link below to listen to the podcast ..... please be patient while it loads :)
https://p7math.wikispaces.com/space/showimage/math+problem.mp3
