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Polya's Problem-Solving

Mathematical problem solving involves finding solutions to unknown problems by getting around difficulties and obstacles. There are four phases of problem solving: 1) understand the problem, 2) devise a plan, 3) carry out the plan, and 4) look back on the solution. Strategies and heuristics help in devising a plan, such as drawing diagrams, making lists, using equations, guessing and checking patterns, and working backwards.

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Cristel Mae Callos Aganan
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1K views

Polya's Problem-Solving

Mathematical problem solving involves finding solutions to unknown problems by getting around difficulties and obstacles. There are four phases of problem solving: 1) understand the problem, 2) devise a plan, 3) carry out the plan, and 4) look back on the solution. Strategies and heuristics help in devising a plan, such as drawing diagrams, making lists, using equations, guessing and checking patterns, and working backwards.

Uploaded by

Cristel Mae Callos Aganan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Mathematical problem solving

is finding a way around a


difficulty, around an obstacle,
and finding a solution to a
problem that is unknown.

George Polya

1
PROBLEM-SOLVING STRATEGIES
AND HEURISTICS

“strategy” - an overall plan

“heuristic” - a specific technique


or approach

2
George Polya (1973) – father of
problem solving

Four phases of problem solving


1. Understand the problem
2. Devise a plan
3. Carry out the plan
4. Look back

3
UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM
• Look for information given
• Visualize the information
• Organize the information
• Connect the information

4
DEVISE A PLAN
• To make a representation
- draw a diagram
- make a systematic list
- use equations
• To make a calculated guess
- guess and check
- look for a pattern
- make suppositions
5
DEVISE A PLAN
• To go through the process
- act it out
- work backwards
• To change the problem
- restate the problem
- simplify the problem
- solve part of the problem

6
CARRYING OUT THE PLAN
• Use mathematical knowledge

• Use mathematical skills


• Use logical thinking

7
LOOK BACK

• Check solution
– Is it reasonable?
• Improve on the method used
• Seek alternative solutions
• Extend the method to
other problems

8
Problem:

Two times the sum of a number and 3 is equal to thrice the number
plus 4. Find the number:

Step 1 : Understand the problem.


Read the question several times. Since, the problem is looking for a
number, then, let X be the number.
Step 2 : Devise a plan.
Translate the problem mathematically. Two times the sum of a
number and 3 is equal to thrice the number plus 4.
2(x + 3) = 3x + 4
Step 3 : Carry out the plan.
Solve for the value of x algebraically. Then, x = 2
Step 4 : Look back.
If 2 times the sum of 2 and 3 is the same as 3 times 2 plus 4, then the
number is really 2.
Problem:
Three siblings are Sofia, Achaia and Riana. Sofia gave Achaia and
Riana as much as money as each had. Then Achaia gave Sofia and
Riana as much money as each had. Then Riana gave Sofia and Achaia
as much money as each had. Then each of the three had P128 each.
How much money did each have originally?
Solution:
Step 1: Understand the problem.
The problem is a little bit confusing and needs to be
carefully analyzed.
Step 2 : Devise a plan.
Work backwards.
Step 3 : Carry out the plan.
There are 4 stages to this problem:

Fourth: Each has P128.

Third: Riana gave Achaia and Sofia as much money as each has.

Second: Achaia gave Sofia and Riana as much money as each has.

First: Sofia gave Achaia and Riana as much money as each has.
Stages Sofia Achaia Riana
Fourth P128 128 128
Third 64 64 256
Second 32 224 128
First 208 112 64

Step 4. Look back.

Stages Sofia Achaia Riana


First 208 112 64
Second 208-112-64=32 112+112=224 64+64=128
Third 32+32=64 224-32-128=64 128+128=256
Fourth 64+64=128 64+64=128 256-64-64=128

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