Scribd
Upload
127 views

Lesson 3-Polyas Problem Solving

This document outlines Polya's four step process for solving problems: 1) understand the problem, 2) devise a plan, 3) carry out the plan, and 4) look back. It provides strategies for each step, such as making diagrams or testing simpler versions. An example uses these steps to find the sum of fractions by noticing their pattern rather than direct calculation. The recap emphasizes labeling each step and using various strategies when planning to successfully solve problems.

Uploaded by

JULIUS PATRICK MALLANAO
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
127 views

Lesson 3-Polyas Problem Solving

This document outlines Polya's four step process for solving problems: 1) understand the problem, 2) devise a plan, 3) carry out the plan, and 4) look back. It provides strategies for each step, such as making diagrams or testing simpler versions. An example uses these steps to find the sum of fractions by noticing their pattern rather than direct calculation. The recap emphasizes labeling each step and using various strategies when planning to successfully solve problems.

Uploaded by

JULIUS PATRICK MALLANAO
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 13

Have A Problem???

 “How To Solve It!”

 Polya’s Four Step Problem Solving Process


Step 1: Understand the Problem
 Identify what you are trying
to find.
 Summarize the information
that is available in your own
words.
 Determine if the information
available is enough, ie. Do you
need a formula, etc.?
 Strip the problem of
irrelevant details.
 Don’t impose conditions that
do not exist.
Step 2: Devise a Plan

 Is this problem similar to another problem you have


solved?
 Can one of the Problem Solving Strategies be used?
 Often a considerable amount of creativity is required to
formulate a plan.
Strategies for Problem Solving
A Strategy is defined as an artful means to an end.

 Make a chart or table.  Guess, test, and revise.


 Look for a pattern.  Use a variable.
 Draw a picture or  Design a model.
diagram.  Try a simpler version
 Eliminate impossible of the problem.
situations.  Use reasoning.
 Work Backwards.
Step 3: Carry Out the Plan
 Implement the strategy or
strategies that you have
chosen until the problem is
solved or until a new course
of action is suggested.
 Give yourself a reasonable
 Don’t expect to solve
amount of time in which to
solve the problem. If you correctly and immediately
all problems. Problem
are not successful, seek hints
Solving takes time and
from others or put the persistence.
problem aside for awhile.  Don’t be afraid of starting
over. Often, a fresh start
and a new strategy will lead
to success.
Step 4: Look Back
 Interpret the results into a sentence
with your own words.
 Check the results to be sure the
solution is correct.
 Does your answer satisfy the
statement of the problem? Does it
make sense?
 Ask if there is another way to solve
the problem.
 Ask if there are other problems that
can be solved by using the same
techniques used in this problem.
 Make a point of thinking about the
strategy that finally worked for this
type of problem for future reference.
A Sample of the Process in Action

– Problem:
– Find the sum of

1 1 1 1
 2  3  ...  10
2 2 2 2
 Let’s try Step 1:
 Understand the Problem
Step 1: Understand the
Problem
 This problem will
require getting a
common denominator,
here 210, converting each
fraction, and finding the
sum of the numerators.
 This is obviously a long
and tedious process.
 Maybe there is a quicker
way to solve the
problem...
Step 2: Devise a Plan
 Instead of doing a direct calculation, let’s
combine some of the suggested strategies.
 Namely, make a list of the first few sums and
look for a pattern.
Step 3: Carry Out the Plan
1 1 1 3 1 1 1 7 1 1 1 1 15
,   ,    ,    
2 2 4 4 2 4 8 8 2 4 8 16 16
 The pattern of sums,

1 3 7 15
, , ,
2 4 8 16
 suggests that the sum of the
ten fractions is 210  1 1023
10
, or .
2 1024
Step 4: Look Back
 This method of
combining the
strategy of Solve a
Simpler Problem with
Make a List and
Look for a Pattern is
very useful.
 For example, what is  Because of the large
the sum denominators, you
wouldn’t want to
1 1 1 add these fractions
 2  ...  100 ? directly.
2 2 2
Problem Solving Recap...
 When presenting the problem
solving process and the sample
problem, great care was taken to
label and display each of the four
steps. Clearly, this is not necessary
every time you work a problem.
 On the other hand, it is a good idea
to get into the habit of recalling the
four steps as you plan and as you
work through a problem.

 The steps and strategies will be especially helpful when


you are making a plan.
 As you are planning to solve a problem, think of the
strategies as a collection of tools which you may select
from and utilize to successfully solve your problem.
Final Suggestions from
Successful Problem Solvers
 Accept the challenge of  Experience in problem
solving a problem. solving is very valuable.
 Take time to explore,
Work lots of problems;
your confidence will grow.
reflect, think, …  There is nothing like a
 Talk to yourself. Ask breakthrough, an “Aha!”,
yourself lots of questions. as you solve your problems.
 Many problems require  Always, always look back.
an incubation period. If Try to see precisely what
you get frustrated, do not the key step was in your
solution and make a mental
hesitate to take a break -
note for future reference.
your subconscious may  Enjoy yourself! Solving a
take over. But do return
problem is a positive
to try again. experience.

You might also like