Introduction to ProblemSolving

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Introduction to Problem-Solving

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What is Problem- Solving?

• A situation where an individual or groupaccepts
  the challenge of performing atask for which
  there is no immediatelyobvious way to determine
  a solution

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What does problem-solving involve?

• SKILLS (Computation)
• A STRATEGY (Plan of Action)
• CREATIVITY
• TENACITY (When the going gets tough, the tough
  get going)
• CONFIDENCE!!!

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Four Step Method for Problem-Solving

• Think about the problem and investigate what the
  question is asking you to find out
• Choose a strategy
• Carry out your plan
• Re-read the question and ask if your answer makes
  sense then check your work!

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Step 1Think about the problem

• What does the problem mean?
• What is the question you need to answer?
• Understand the words, phrases, and what is
  happening in the problem
• Identify important and unimportant information

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Step 2Select a Strategy

• Make a table
• Make a list
• Act out or use manipulatives
• Look for a pattern
• Make a picture or diagram
• Use logical reasoning
• Guess and check
• Make it simpler
• Work backwards
• Brainstorm

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Step 3Carry Out Your Plan

• Work through the problem and make sure your
  answer makes sense!
• If you think your answer is incorrect, try
  another plan. Make sure you record the methods
  you have tried!
• To quote Billy Ocean, remember that when the
  going gets tough, the tough gets going! Dont
  give up if you feel stuck!

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Step 4Look Back and Check Your Work!

• Reread the problem and check to make sure your
  solution is answering the question
• Ask yourself if the solution is REASONABLE and
  LOGICAL
• Check your work to make sure you have not make
  any calculation errorscareless mistakes are
  totally preventable!

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I know you've heard it a thousand times before.
But it's true -- hard work pays off. If you want
to be good, you have to practice, practice,
practice! Ray Bradbury

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