Problem Solving Tips!

There are four stages in solving a given problem. Each problem may involve one or more of the suggested strategies.

The four stages were developed by George Polya, a Hungarian mathematician. We also incorporate the Socratic Method which is a series of Q&A, to check one's critical thinking, logic and reasoning, as we seek to find any holes in the process.

Understanding the Problem

Read the problem carefully
List the details you know
Look for phrases
Pick out the important information
State the problem in your own words

Analyzing the Problem

Look for a pattern
Draw a picture
Use models or act out the problem
Make an organized list
Guess and test
State and solve an equation
Use logical reasoning
Consider a simpler form of the problem
Work the problem backward

Doing the Necessary Computations

Simplify any arithmetic expressions
Solve any algebraic equations
Use a calculator or computer as appropriate

Providing the Desired Results

Answer all questions
Provide all requested information
Be sure all results (solutions) are reasonable
Check all solutions
Look for extensions or generalizations of the solutions
State the problem and its solution in sentence form