Question 1
1.1. The following task example illustrate the Problem-Solving level according to CAPS:
1.1.1. John had a few marbles. Today he played and doubled his number of marbles. Then
Thabo gave him three marbles for free. Jabu has 21 marbles now. How many did he have before
he started playing? Solve this problem using a suitable model.
This problem is an example of a task at the Problem-Solving level because it requires learners to
work backward using logical reasoning and operations to find an unknown starting value. The
problem states: John had some marbles. He played and doubled them. Then Thabo gave him three
more marbles. Now John has 21 marbles. We need to determine how many marbles he originally had
before playing.
Solving the Problem Using a Model
To solve this, we start with what we know and work backward through each step.
1. Start with the final number of marbles:
John ends up with 21 marbles.
2. Undo the addition of 3 marbles:
Before Thabo gave him 3 marbles, John had fewer. We subtract 3 from 21:
21 − 3 = 18 marbles.
3. Undo the doubling of marbles:
Before John doubled his marbles, he must have had half of 18. We divide by 2:
18 ÷ 2 = 9 marbles.
Conclusion:
By using a step-by-step reverse process, we find that John had 9 marbles before he started playing.
This approach encourages learners to think critically and logically, supporting their development of
problem-solving skills.