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Introduction To Problem Solving

Polyas First Principle emphasizes the importance of fully understanding the problem before attempting to solve it. Students should ask questions to clarify their comprehension of key terms, goals, and available information. Polyas Second Principle stresses devising a plan by selecting from various reasonable strategies, such as making an organized list, looking for patterns, or working backward. His Third Principle notes the importance of carefully carrying out the chosen plan and being willing to change approaches if necessary. Finally, Polyas Fourth Principle recommends reflecting on what did and did not work in order to improve future problem-solving abilities.

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Wan Muhammad Faris
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61 views2 pages

Introduction To Problem Solving

Polyas First Principle emphasizes the importance of fully understanding the problem before attempting to solve it. Students should ask questions to clarify their comprehension of key terms, goals, and available information. Polyas Second Principle stresses devising a plan by selecting from various reasonable strategies, such as making an organized list, looking for patterns, or working backward. His Third Principle notes the importance of carefully carrying out the chosen plan and being willing to change approaches if necessary. Finally, Polyas Fourth Principle recommends reflecting on what did and did not work in order to improve future problem-solving abilities.

Uploaded by

Wan Muhammad Faris
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INTRODUCTION

Polyas First Principle: Understand the Problem


This seems so obvious that it is often not even mentioned, yet students are often
stymied in their efforts to solve problems simply because they dont understand it fully,
or even in part. Polya taught teachers to ask students questions such as:
Do you understand all the words used in stating the problem?
hat are you asked to find or show?
!an you restate the problem in your own words?
!an you think of a picture or a diagram that might help you understand the
problem?
"s there enough information to enable you to find a solution?
Polyas Second Principle: Devise a plan
Polya mentions #$%&'( that it are many reasonable ways to solve problems. The skill at
choosing an appropriate strategy is best learned by solving many problems. )ou will
find choosing a strategy increasingly easy. * partial list of strategies is included:
+uess and check
,ake and orderly list
-liminate possibilities
.se symmetry
!onsider special cases
.se direct reasoning
/olve an equation
0ook for a pattern
Draw a picture
/olve a simpler problem
.se a model
ork backward
.se a formula
1e ingenious
Polyas third Principle: Carry out the plan
This step is usually easier than devising the plan. "n general #$%&'(, all you need is care
and patience, given that you have the necessary skills. Persistent with the plan that you
have chosen. "f it continues not to work discard it and choose another. Dont be misled,
this is how mathematics is done, even by professionals.
Polyas Fourth Principle: Look back
Polya mentions #$%&'( that much can be gained by taking the time to reflect and look
back at what you have done, what worked and what didnt. Doing this will enable you to
predict what strategy to use to solve future problems.

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