What strategy did you use in solving this problem?

22. Suppose that you wanted to find the whole numbers
represented by each of the letters in the following addition
problem:
Which problem-solving strategy might be most helpful
to you in solving this problem? (You need not solve the
problem.)
S E N D
M O R E
M O N E Y

Guess you did not get this turned in on time, right?

2X3

To solve the addition problem and find the whole numbers represented by each letter, you can use a strategy called "Alphametic Puzzle" or "Cryptarithmetic." Here's how you can approach this problem:

1. Start by analyzing the pattern: In the given addition problem, each letter represents a digit, and the goal is to find the digit that each letter represents to make the equation true.

2. Identify the constraints: We know that the addition of SEND and MORE should result in MONEY. Based on this constraint, we can deduce some rules. For example, since the sum of two three-digit numbers (SEND + MORE) can only be a four-digit number (MONEY), the digit represented by M must be 1.

3. Examine other constraints: Look for other constraints within the problem. In this case, the first digits of both SEND and MORE (S and M) must be greater than zero since they represent the highest place value.

4. Solve step-by-step: Start with M=1, as determined by the constraint mentioned earlier. Then, systematically try out different values for the other letters, checking if the resulting sum is valid. If it's not, try a different value until a valid solution is found.

Note: It is important to systematically test different combinations while keeping track of the constraints to avoid duplication or missing potential solutions.

By using this strategy, you can gradually assign values to each letter and solve the problem to find the whole numbers represented by S, E, N, D, M, O, R, and Y in the given addition problem.