Problem-Solving

Problem-Solving in Mathematics

Learning how to solve problems in mathematics is to know what to look for. Math problems often require established procedures and knowing what and when to apply them. To identify procedures, we have to be familiar with the problem situation and be able to collect the appropriate information, identify a strategy or strategies and use the strategy appropriately.

Problem solving requires practice! The more our practice, the better we get.

Problem Solving Plan in 4 Steps:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZXDGQSuF9I 

1. Clue:

• Read the problem carefully.
  
• Underline clue words.
• Ask ourselves if we've seen a problem similar to this one. If so, what is similar about it?
• What did we need to do?
• What facts are we given?
• What do we need to find out?

2. Game Plan:

• Define our game plan.
• Have we seen a problem like this before?
• Identify what we did.
• Define our strategies to solve this problem.
• Try out our strategies. (use formulas, simplifying, use sketches, guess and check, look for a pattern, etc.)
• If our strategy doesn't work, it may lead us to an  'aha' moment and to a strategy that does work.

3. Solve:

• Use our strategies to solve the problem

4. Reflect:

• This part is critical. Look over our solution.
• Does it seem probable?
• Did our answer the question?
• Are we sure?
• Did our answer using the language in the question?
• Same units?

Clue Words:

When deciding on methods or procedures to use to solve problems, the first thing we will do is look for clues which is one of the most important skills in solving problems in mathematics. If we begin to solve problems by looking for clue words, we will find that these 'words' often indicate an operation.
For instance:
Clue Words for Addition

• sum
• total
• in all
• perimeter

Clue Words for Subtraction

• difference
• how much more
• exceed

Clue Words for Multiplication

• product
• total
• area
• times

Clue Words for Division

• share
• distribute
• quotient
• average

Although clue words vary a bit, we'll find that there will be consistency with them to guide us to the correct operation.