10.1: George Polya's Four Step Problem Solving Process
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Step 1: Understand the Problem
- Do you understand all the words?
- Can you restate the problem in your own words?
- Do you know what is given?
- Do you know what the goal is?
- Is there enough information?
- Is there extraneous information?
- Is this problem similar to another problem you have solved?
Step 2: Devise a Plan: Below are some strategies one might use to solve a problem. Can one (or more) of the following strategies be used? (A strategy is defined as an artful means to an end.)
1. Guess and test. | 11. Solve an equivalent problem. |
2. Use a variable. | 12. Work backwards |
3. Draw a picture. | 13. Use cases. |
4. Look for a pattern. | 14. Solve an equation. |
5. Make a list. | 15. Look for a formula. |
6. Solve a simpler problem. | 16. Do a simulation. |
7. Draw a diagram. | 17. Use a model |
8. Use direct reasoning. |