What is a key strategy in problem-solving when the whole is unknown?

A key strategy in problem-solving when the whole is unknown is to add known parts together. This approach allows you to build a clearer picture of the overall situation by combining the information you already have. By adding together the known quantities, you can often deduce the value of the whole or identify how much more is needed to reach a specific total.

For instance, if you have several components that contribute to a final total, summing these parts can make it easier to determine the remaining unknown portion. This method is particularly useful in various mathematical contexts, such as algebra, statistics, or word problems, where you can incrementally piece together the solution.

In contrast, other strategies such as assuming the total amount can lead to inaccurate conclusions if the assumption is incorrect. Starting by multiplying known parts may not be relevant if the problem involves addition or summing, and estimating the value of unknown parts relies on guesswork rather than deriving an answer based on concrete data. Therefore, focusing on the strategy of adding known parts ensures a more methodical and reliable approach to uncovering the unknown whole.