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Unit 3E Topic 2 Content

This document outlines Polya's four steps in problem-solving: understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and looking back on the work. It emphasizes the importance of systematic approaches and various strategies to tackle mathematical problems effectively. The content also highlights the historical context of Polya's contributions and the creative aspect of problem-solving in mathematics.

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19 views3 pages

Unit 3E Topic 2 Content

This document outlines Polya's four steps in problem-solving: understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and looking back on the work. It emphasizes the importance of systematic approaches and various strategies to tackle mathematical problems effectively. The content also highlights the historical context of Polya's contributions and the creative aspect of problem-solving in mathematics.

Uploaded by

kristineangeltenorio8
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 PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Unit 3: Problem Solving and Reasoning

Topic 2: Polya’s Four Steps in Problem Solving


Time Allotment: 3 hours

Learning Objectives
Upon the completion of this topic, you are expected to:
 Recall the four steps in problem-solving;
 Discuss Polya’s four steps in problem-solving; and
 Solve word problems using Polya’s four-step problem-solving.

Presentation of Content
Problem Solving
What is a problem? Generally, it is a situation you want to change!
A problem is a situation that conforms the learner, that requires resolution, and
for which the path of the answer is not immediately known. There is an
obstacle that prevents one from setting a clear path to the answer.
What is a Problem Solving?
Problem Solving has been defined as higher-order cognitive process that
requires the modulation and control of more routine or fundamental skills"
(Goldstein & Levin, 1987).

Mathematical Reasoning
It refers to the ability of a person to analyze problem situations and construct
logical arguments to justify his process or hypothesis, to create both
conceptual foundations and connections, in order for him to be able to process
available information

Pólya’s How to Solve It


George Pólya was a great champion in the field of teaching effective problem
solving skills. He was born in Hungary in 1887, received his Ph.D. at the
University of Budapest, and was a professor at Stanford University (among
other universities). He wrote many mathematical papers along with three
books, most famously, “How to Solve it.” Pólya died at the age 98 in 1985.

Image of Pólya by Thane Plambeck from Palo Alto, California (Flickr) [CC
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Unit 3: Problem Solving and Reasoning

In 1945, Pólya published the short book How to Solve It, which gave a four-
step method for solving mathematical problems:
First, you have to understand the problem.
Second, after understanding, then make a plan.
Third, carry out the plan.
Fourth, look back on your work. How could it be better?

This is all well and good, but how do you actually do these steps?!?! Steps 1
and 2 are particularly mysterious! How do you “make a plan?” That is where
you need some tools in your toolbox, and some experience to draw upon.
Much has been written since 1945 to explain these steps in more detail, but the
truth is that they are more art than science. This is where math becomes a
creative endeavor (and where it becomes so much fun). We will articulate
some useful problem solving strategies, but no such list will ever be complete.
This is really just a start to help you on your way. The best way to become a
skilled problem solver is to learn the background material well, and then to
solve a lot of problems!

Four Steps in Problem Solving


How do we perform Problem Solving? To be able to solve problem
systematically, we follow the four basic steps enunciated by George Polya in
1945 through all of these steps where known already and used well before
then. The ancient Greek mathematicians like the Euclid and Pythagoras
certainly knew how it was done.
1. Understand the Problem
First you have to understand the problem. Study the essential
mathematical concepts by considering the terminology and notation
used in the problem. Rephrase the problem in your own words, if
needed. Then write down specific example of the condition given in
the problem. Ask yourself these questions:
a. What kind of a problem is it?
b. What is the known?
c. What information is given?
d. What do the terms mean?
e. Is this enough information or is more information needed?
f. What is or are the conditions in the problem? Is possible to satisfy
the condition/s? Is/Are the condition sufficient to determine the
unknown?

2. Devise a Plan
First find the link between the data and the unknown. You must start
somewhere, so try something. But if an immediate connection cannot
be found, then it would be necessary to consider more problems. You
should obtain eventually a plan of the solution. Think of ways on how
you are going to attack the problem, that is, try using strategies that
could help you solve the problem.

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Unit 3: Problem Solving and Reasoning

Here are some of the possible strategies that can be used:


1. Identify a Sub-goal
2. Making a Table
3. Make an organized List (Tree Diagram, Venn Diagram)
4. Making an illustration/Drawing
5. Eliminating Possibilities
6. Writing an Equation/ Using a Variable
7. Solving a simpler version of the problem
8. Trial and Error / Guest and Check
9. Work Backwards
10. Look for a Pattern/s

3. Carry out the Plan


As soon as you have an idea for the solution of the problem, write it
down instantly then carry out your plan of the solution. Just make sure
that each step in the solution is logically correct. However, if the plan
does not seem to be working well, then start over again then try
another strategy. Sometimes, the first approach will not work. But do
not worry because if the strategy does not work, it does not mean you
did wrong. It could be that there is more appropriate strategy that you
can use for the particular problem. Remember, the secret here is to
keep trying until something works.

4. Look Back
Once you have a potential solution, check to see if it works. Ask the
following to yourself:
1. Did you answer the question?
2. Is your result reasonable?

Then, double check your solution to make sure that all of the
conditions related to a problem are satisfied. Make sure that any
computation involved in finding your solution is correct. If you find
that your solution does not work or satisfy the problem, there may only
be a simple mistake. Try to fix or modify your existing solution before
disregarding it. Remember what you tried- It is likely that at least part
of it will end up useful.

Another way of checking your solution is to make of another concepts


or formulas or given strategies to solve the problem.
If the answer that you will get using that new concept, formula or
strategy is the same as you first attempt, then it means that your answer
is right. Remember, there are different way of solving a problem.

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