Problem Solving

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Problem Solving
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Problem Solving

• A problem is a situation, quantitative or
  otherwise, that confronts an individual or group
  of individuals, that requires resolution, and for
  which the individual sees no apparent path to the
  solution.

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Types of Problems

• 1. Research
• Prove a hypothesis
• e.g. A scientific hypothesis may be that
  CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are destroying the
  earths ozone layer.
• 2. Understanding
• e.g. an engineer notices that the chemical
  plant can make more product when it rains.

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Types of Problems

• 3. Trouble shooting
• e.g. an electronic amplifier has a loud hum
  when it is in a room with fluorescent lights.
• 4. Math Problems
• e.g. find x such that 4x 5 0.

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Types of Problem

• 5. Money Problems
• e.g. how will we get the money to build our new
  factory?
• 6. Social Problems
• e.g. how can we improve education?
• 7. Design Problems
• e.g. design a new car.

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Design Problems

• Design problems are the epitome of engineering.
• They require creativity, teamwork, and board
  knowledge.
• Poorly posed design problem
• Design a new car.

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Design Problem

• Well Posed Design Problem
• Design a new car that can
• 1. Go from 0 - 60 mph in 6 seconds
• 2. Gets 50 miles/gal
• 3. Costs less than 10,000 to the consumer
• 4. Does not exceed government pollution standards
• 5. Appeals to aesthetic tastes

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Problem Hierarchy

• 1. Identify Problem
• e.g. we need to build a new car since we are
  losing market share
• 2. Synthesis (integrating parts to for a whole)
• e.g. we can combine an aerodynamic body with a
  fuel efficient engine to make a new car with very
  high fuel efficiency

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Problem Heirarchy

• 3. Analysis
• identify relationships,
• distinguish fact from opinion,
• detect logic information,
• make conclusions from evidence,
• select relevant information,
• TRANSLATE REAL-WORLD PROBLEM INTO MATHEMATICAL
  MODEL
• e.g. compare the drag of different body types and
  determine if engine can fit under the hood

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Problem Heirarchy

• 4. Application (identify the pertinent
  information)
• e.g. What force is required to allow the car to
  go 60 mph knowing the car has a 30ft2 projected
  area and a 0.35 drag coefficient based on wind
  tunnel data?

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Problem Hierarchy

• 5. Comprehension (use the data and explicit
  theory to solve the problem)
• F 1/2 Cd ? A V2
• Fforce
• Cddrag coef.
• rair density
• Aprotected frontal area
• Vspeed

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Problem Solving

• Problem solving is a process, an activity
  whereby a best value is determined for an
  unknown, subject to a specific set of conditions.
  It is a means by which an individual uses
  previously acquired knowledge, skills and
  understanding to satisfy the demands of an
  unfamiliar situation.

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What skills must be used when solving a problem?

• Knowledge
• Motivation
• Experience
• Communication Skills
• Learning Skills
• Group Skills