What approach should a teacher take to help a student understand relationships in solving applied math problems?

To assist a student in understanding relationships in solving applied math problems, converting numbers to familiar units like minutes and hours can be particularly effective. This approach helps students relate abstract numerical concepts to real-life applications, enabling them to understand how different quantities interact. For example, converting seconds into minutes or hours can clarify how long events last and how they can be compared, fostering a deeper grasp of mathematical relationships.

By using relatable units of time, the student can visualize the problem contextually, facilitating the application of mathematical principles to real-world scenarios. This method encourages critical thinking and enhances problem-solving skills, as students learn to navigate the relationships between different quantities in a format they find relevant and understandable.

Other options may incorporate graphs or estimations, which are useful strategies in certain contexts, but the transformation of numbers into practical, familiar units more directly addresses the need for understanding relationships in applied math. It encourages engagement with the concepts while fostering the ability to relate material to everyday experiences.