A NOTE TO THE STUDENT:

At first glance, the problem statement on the previous page might look like many of the word problems you have worked this semester. Upon closer inspection, however, you should notice that is probably unlike any problem you have been exposed to before. There are no numbers, not much information, and what you are asked to find might not be crystal clear! This is an example of a real-world problem, and it is one that most of us will face sooner or later. So, it is a real-world-real-to-us kind of problem!

So, what do you do? How do you start? How do you know when you are through? These are all questions to which you must find the answers (with guidance from your instructor). It will be helpful for your to review the problem solving process contained in this packet. That will give you a place to start.

You will have many questions on your way to a solution. Some of these your instructor will answer, and some of these you must answer for yourself. This problem will allow you to demonstrate your problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as your skills in arithmetic.

So, good luck, and have fun!

Donna Tannehill and Yvonne Zeka
Maricopa Community Colleges
Fall 1996