2.3.1: 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.