Problem Solving

Discussion

• Polya's Steps in problem solving
  • Understand the problem
  • Devise a Plan
  • Carry out the plan and solve the problem
  • Check your answer.
• Understand the problem
  • Read the problem a number of times, if it is not written, write it down as clearly and concisely as possible.
  • Make a list of all the information you have.
  • Note what information is important and what is not.
  • Look at problem 6, page 30.
  • Do you have sufficient information to solve this problem?
  • Look at problem 2, page 30.
• Devise a plan to solve the problem
  • Look for a pattern (use inductive reasoning)
  • Look at problems 14 and 15 for example.
  • Or perhaps 46, page 33
  • Make a table or list
  • look at problem 26, page 31
  • Use a estimation, work backwards from that estimation
  • 40 page 32.
  • Try to simplify the problem
  • 43, page 32
  • Use trial and error
  • 45 page 32
  • Make a chart
  • Make a picture
  • Try to reduce it to a similar problems
  • Look at example 4 page 25, now problem 26
  • Look for a "catch"
  • See Blitzer Bonus page 29
  • Eliminate impossible solutions based on the information available
  • Use common sense.

Additional Problems

Homework