1
Breathe & Set Mindset
Reset attention, then proceed.
Cycle 0 / 3
- This is not a race.
- Accuracy over speed.
- Mistakes are signals; adjust and continue.
2
Gather Tools
Check the essentials.
- Ruler / straight edge
- Pencil or pen (eraser)
- Blank paper (2–3 sheets)
- Calculator (if allowed)
- Reference or textbook
- Quiet workspace
- Water
3
Understand the Problem
Read carefully. Identify the target quantity.
If stuck, craft a simpler analogue with easy numbers.
Recall a similar example from notes or class.
4
Plan
- What is required first?
- What data are given?
- Which formulas or theorems apply?
- Order of operations.
5
Organize Work
Reasoning
- First, compute … because …
- Then, substitute into …
- Relation between variables: …
Computation
x = 5 + 3 x = 8 y = 2x y = 16
6
Check
- Magnitude reasonable?
- Units consistent?
- Fits problem context?
- Arithmetic slips
- Sign errors
- Method mismatch
- Conversion mistakes
- Work backwards from the result.
- Try a second method.
- Substitute to verify.
- Estimate and compare.
7
Present
State the value, with units where relevant, in one clear sentence.
Example: x = 12 m.
Confidence self‑check (1–10). Note any residual doubts.
8
Extend
- Vary numbers; observe changes.
- Generalize to a formula.
- Connect to other topics.
- Draft a similar problem.
- Identify patterns.
- List follow‑up questions.