PSLE Math Heuristics: 7 Strategies That Actually Work

Why heuristics matter

PSLE problem sums rarely fall to memorised formulas. Students must choose a heuristic—a thinking strategy—to unlock the question.

7 high‑yield heuristics

• Draw a model: Bar models reveal hidden relationships and part–whole structures.
• Work backwards: Start from the final condition when questions give results after changes.
• Guess & check (systematically): Vary one quantity at a time to converge quickly.
• Restate the problem: Paraphrase long sentences into math statements.
• Look for patterns: Useful for sequences, calendars, and factors/multiples.
• Make a systematic list: Ensures you don’t miss cases in arrangement/combinatorics.
• Before–After concept: Track transfers and comparisons with a before/after table.

How to practise

Pick three questions per night. For each, write the chosen heuristic and one sentence explaining why it fits. Over time, this builds metacognition.

Quick checklist

• Underline givens & goal
• Choose a heuristic first
• Draw/annotate
• Compute only after plan is clear

Tip: Keep a personal list of solved “types” so recognition becomes automatic.