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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

How do I approach word problems?

One good way to do this is using something called "GRASS" format:

Given:  Identify the given information in the question...what values are given and what do they represent?  It may be helpful to know the following terms that are sometimes used in math questions and what they mean:
TermMeaning
Sum + (addition)
Difference - (subtraction)
Product * (multiplication)
Quotient / (division)
Required: Figure out what the question is actually asking you to find. Whatever it is, represent it with a variable e.g., x. 

Analysis: If applicable, draw a sketch if one is not already provided. Figure out the appropriate math techniques to use and the formulas that relate the different quantities of interest. Whenever possible, use one variable only. For example, if you're looking for two numbers that differ by 5, then let x, and x+5 (or x and x - 5) represent the two numbers, NOT x and y. Alternatively, you may be able to use some info presented in the question to help you rewrite your equation in terms of one variable only. 

Solution: Solve the equation or find the answer you're looking for...you’ll have to think hard about the various math techniques you’ve learned in your courses to figure out which ones work for this particular question. Make sure your solution(s) makes sense in the context of the application -- e.g., a negative area doesn't make any sense. 

Statement: Finish off with a concluding statement to make it clear what the answer to the question is. If applicable, include units in your answer. 

For more help on word problems, be sure to watch the videos on solving Word Problems, which will lead you through an example and provide more tips.