Session 1 8.30 10.30 a.m.

I firmly believe that it is

always better to solve the
same problem in three ways
as opposed to solving three
problems the same way.
(Personal

Teaching Philosophy)

Can you assist mom?

While on vacation in New Zealand, you
accompany your mom to a souvenir shop.
She wants to buy 25 souvenir items to
bring back to Malaysia. The price tag on
the item is NZ16.00. She asks you to find
out how much money is required to buy
them. Looking into her purse she finds
three $50 notes, eight $20 notes and
seven $10 notes. She asks you whether
she has enough money to pay for all the
items. If not, how many items can she
buy? Can you help her?

Different Approaches to Problem

Solving
Blocks, Diagram or Model
Conventional Algorithm
Other Approaches
Partitioning/Decomposing: Multiply,
Recompose, and Combine
[Application of
Distributive/Associative Laws]

Decompose 16 or 25

Examples of Heuristics Approach

Definition

Algorithm: methodical, logical rule or

procedure that guarantees solving a particular
problem. An algorithm is a series of specific
steps that solve a particular problem. If you
follow the rules of multiplication accurately,
you will absolutely obtain the correct answer to
the problem 296 times 398 in finite time.
Heuristics: A heuristic is a method of
discovery. It is basically any kind of tool that
helps people think through problems. Heuristic
can range from use of diagram, table, model to
rules-of-thumb. Rule-of-thumb strategy often
allows us to make judgments and solve
problem efficiently (less time and effort).

We only think when we are

confronted with problems(John Dewey)

The beauty of mathematics is when

students discover that there are
different ways to solve a single
problem.
Single and most important principle for
improving the teaching of mathematics
is to allow the subject of mathematics
be problematic for students
Students solve problems not to apply
mathematics but also to learn new
mathematics.
(Hiebert et al., 1996)

Model and Heuristics Approaches

to Problem Solving

No matter how lucidly and patiently

teachers explain to the students,
they cannot understand for them.

(Schifter

and Fosnot, 1993, p. 9)

You cannot teach a man anything;

you can only help him discover it
within himself.
I never teach my pupils; I only
attempt to provide the conditions
in which they learn.
(Galileo)

(Albert Einstein)

How would you determine the width of a

river if you cannot measure it directly?
You cannot cross to the other side, too,
but you have with you a metre-stick and a
big protractor [Compare and contrast
methods: which you like best/least, why?]

Model Drawing Approach

to Problem Solving

Successfully and widely practiced

in Singapore [Year 4 & 8]

Do not confuse modeling with

model approach to problem solving
Modeling is the process of choosing and
using appropriate mathematics and
statistics to analyse empirical situations,
to understand them better, and to
improve decisions (CCSSO, 2010, p.72)

Mathematical model or equation allows

us to find values that cannot be
observed in the real phenomenon.
Mathematical models are equation, rule or
explicit formula, and function used to make
predictions, extrapolation, example,
tn=2n+1,
g=20 ,
y = a + bx, etc.

A mathematical model is the use of

mathematical language to describe the
behaviour
of a system.
Mathematical
models are composed of

variables, (abstractions of systems parameters

of interest, that can be quantified), and
operators (algebraic operators, functions,
differential operators, etc.) which act on these
variables.
Method of simulating real-life situations with
mathematical equations to forecast their future
behavior. Mathematical modeling uses tools
such as decision-theory, queuing theory, and
linear programming, and requires large
amounts of number crunching.

Algebra
Method

Question

A survey showed that of

the students have played
soccer. of the students who
have played soccer have also
played hockey. If there were
132 students, how many
students have played both
sports.

Try this

Rons Recycle Shop started when Ron

bought a used paper-shredding
machine. The old machine could shred a
truckload of paper in 4 hours. The new
machine could shred the same truckload
in only 2 hours. How long will it take to
shred a truckload of paper if Ron runs
both shredders at the same time?
Can you check that you are correct? Can
you approach the problem using a
diagram/picture?

Solve differently using at least two

approaches

On a cruise to Japan, of the

women passengers on board are
married to of the men passengers.
There are also 9 more women than
men on board. How many
passengers are on the ship.

Water Jug Problem

There is an eight-liter jug full of water

and two empty jugs; one of them can
hold five litres of water and the other
three litres. If the water is to be
shared equally between two people,
how can this be done?
Can you use arithmetic
to explain?

Discussion

In your group, discuss and write up at

least two problems, different from what
were discussed, which are considered as
using model drawing type of problems.
Solve each problem using at least two
different approaches students might use.
33

What is my mystery
number?
58

If
If
If
If

I
I
I
I

divide
divide
divide
divide

it
it
it
it

by
by
by
by

3
4
5
6

the
the
the
the

remainder
remainder
remainder
remainder

is 1.
is 2.
is5 3.
8
is 4.

Something More Challenging?

What is my mystery number?

If
If
If
If
If
If
If
If
If

I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I

divide
divide
divide
divide
divide
divide
divide
divide
divide

it
it
it
it
it
it
it
it
it

by
by
by
by
by
by
by
by
by

2 the remainder is 1
3 the remainder is 2.
4 the remainder is 3.
5 the remainder is 4.
6 the remainder is 5.
7 the remainder is 6
8 the remainder is 7
9 the remainder is 8
10 the remainder is 9

2520 - 1
2519

A banquet hall has a 400-person

capacity, including both diners and
servers. If 1 server is needed for every
12 diners, what is the maximum
number of diners that can be served?

Heuristics Approach
Session 2: 11.00 1.00 p.m.

Conflict of sorts when two different

worlds collide?
Teacher versus Students

Students see things differently

from what we see

What multiplies through division?

Amoeba

What is 16 divide by half? 8 or 32?

There is 3 pizza left, and Abu
wants to give to each of the
guests. How many guests can he
give to? Explain your approach.

Help students learn with understanding; application of

mathematics concept

Use digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8

Examples of Problem Solving Heuristics

Old MacDonald had a total of 37 chickens
and sheep on his farm. All together, they
had 98 feet. How many chickens were there
and how many sheep?

Which method would you recommend?

Explain. Why?

Conversation between
M, J, C and K
M:
Ill bet there were 20 chickens and 17 sheep.
J: Lets see. If youre right there are 2 x 20, or 40,
chicken feet and 4 x 17, or 68, sheep feet. This
gives 108 feet. Thats too many feet.
K: Lets try 30 chickens and 7 sheep. That would give
us fewer feet.
C:Hey, with Ms guess we got 108 feet, and Ks guess
gives us 88 feet. Since 108 is 10 too much and 88 is
10 too few, Ill bet we should guess 25 chickens
just halfway between Ms and Ks guesses!
These children are using the Guess and Check
strategy

Another group: A refinement of guess and check

N: Lets make a table, weve had good luck

that
way before.
A:
Right, N. Lets see. If we start with 20
chickens and 17 sheep, we have 2 x 20, or
40 chicken feet and 4 x 7, or 68 sheep feet.
If we have 21 chickens,

Making a table and look for a pattern is an

excellent strategy.

Draw a picture/Diagram/
Model
Draw 37 circles for heads, put two
lines under each circle to represent
two feet. Then add extra two feet
under enough circles to make 98.

Another strategy?

Oh! The problem is easy,

said Wan: If we have all the
sheep stand on their hind legs,
their are 2 x 37, or 74 feet
touching the ground. That
means that the sheep must be
holding 24 front feet up in the
air. This means that there must
be 12 sheep and 25 chickens.

Guessing Ericas Rule:

Get students to pick up any number, tell
what number her rule gives back, as
shown in this table:
Choose a function, f(x) = 3x 7

Apply heuristic approach to solve

this problem

A truck moves from P to Q at a speed of

50km/h and returns from Q to P at
70km/h. It traveled 3 rounds within 18
hours. What is the distance between P
and Q ?

How would you

arrange 9 matches
to form 5 triangles?

Extension
The figure shows part of the design that we
see when the roof is viewed from above.
a. In at least two different ways, count the
number of small triangles in the figure above.
b. If we count from the top to the bottom, the
figure consists of five rows of triangles. How
many triangles would there be if this design
contained 10 rows
c. Develop a mathematical model for the total
number of triangles in a design of n rows.

A farmer wants to divide the field

shown below into four equally
shaped parts so that each of his 4
sons receives equal share. How
can this be done? Metcalfe and Wiebe (1987
)

Consider this problem, discuss

what mathematics (content) can
the student learn from this activity?
Assume that you are the tournament
organiser for this special event.
A total of 47 people entered a singles
elimination tennis/badminton tournament.
What is the least number of matches that
must be played to decide the overall winner?
How would you go about to determine the
number of matches to be played, draw up the
fixtures and schedule for this tournament?

Does it always
work?
The answer is 46 matches including the final.
The easy way to solve this problem is that
each match must produce one winner and one
loser. Everyone except the tournament winner
loses exactly once, so the number of matches
is exactly the same as the number of losers.
So to have 47 people there is 1 winner and 46
losers.
Use rule: 2n and the principle of doubling and
halving
What about 100, 200 or

n participants?

John walks from town A to town B. He

first walks on flat land, and then uphill.
He then returns to town P along the
same route. Johns walking speed on flat
land is 4 km/h. He walks uphill at a
speed of 3 km/h and downhill at a speed
of 6 km/h. If the entire journey took 6
hours, what is the distance from town A
to town B?
double 6

The Circle Problem

Discussion

In your group, discuss and write up at least

two problems, different from what were
discussed, which are considered as using
heuristics (including modeling) type of
problems.
Solve each problem using at least two or
more different approaches students might
use. How many solution strategies you come
up with?

Session 3: 2.30 a 4.30 p.m.

Model and Heuristics

Approaches to Problem
Solving
Let us play a mental game
Estimate your retirement
benefits
Gratuity and Pension
[Rewards for faithful Service]

Compute mentally there is

always temptation to use a
calculator or algorithm [just
like our students in class]
Use a heuristic approach.

Retirement Benefit
Gratuity

Every Month of your retired Life

Life Begins at 60

Heuristically, your monthly pension

is 60% of your last drawn salary.

Creative Problem Solving involves

convergent and divergent thinking

What Research says about

Problem Solving and the
Brain

Imaging the brain during chess

et al. (1994)

Nichelli

Just as muscles improve with exercise, the

brain seems to improve with useleads to
an increase of the size of the brain cells,
their branches and the ability to form more
complex networks (increasing the brain
capacity).

Jung-Beeman et al (2004) in an fMRI study found

evidence of different brain activation for problem
solving.

Findings from Research: Problem

Solving Activates Left Brain and Right
Brain Thinking

X-Ray Problem

Karl Duncker studies of problem solving among college students (1945)

Given an inoperable stomach

tumor and rays (which at high
intensity will destroy tissue both
healthy and diseased), how can
the tumor be destroyed without
damaging surrounding tissue?

1.

How do you show that half of the

regular octagon shown below is
shaded?

2. Two noncongruent diagonals from a

single vertex of a regular hexagon
divide the hexagon into two triangles
and a trapezoid. What is the ratio of
the areas of regions I, II and III?

Whats your answer?

Can you solve the problem
using another approach?

It seems the cube only has one

orientation, but when you watch long
enough, this orientation will shift to
another. Its a case of now you see it,
now you dont! Can you see the 2
different orientations?

Visual Illusions with Different

Configurations requires Insight
This is how you see it

Two different configurations of the

same box

80

Solve 7x + 2 = 3x +10,
using the
balance scale model and
equation

The m+m Puzzle: Combinational problem

Each move consists of moving a pair of
adjacent tiles left or right. The pair must be
moved to the next pair of open spaces, and
the
moves
doesThree
not affect
other tiles
3+3
Puzzle:
moves
Start State:
XXXOOO
Goal State:OXOXOX
4+4 Puzzle: Four moves
Start State:
XXXXOOOO
Goal State:OXOXOXOX
5+5 Puzzle: Five moves
Start State:
XXXXXOOOOO
Goal State:OXOXOXOXOX

How can you divide the 7 cakes among 12

students equally?

Use the most efficient method

Fractions
Proportions
Percentages
Ratio
Factors
Sum of factors
Product of factors

x
7x+12=0 or x+7x+12=0
Quadratic Equations as in

Problem
Work individually and then discuss with a
partner. Explain how you did the task and
how you think it could be improved. Plan
a joint method that is better than each of
the separate solutions.

Use the diagram to show that

1.

2.

Let w = 10 feet and r = 17 feet

Figure out how much the rear
wheel cuts into the cycle lane.
Figure out how far the front
wheel must be from the outside
edge of the cycle lane for the
rear wheel not to cut into the
cycle lane.

Use arithmetic to explain

Derive a rule or function to

determine the number of handshakes
for n people in the room.
If there are 66 handshakes, how
many people are in the room?

Modeling:

There are 21 teams playing in the English

Premier League. Each team has to play a
home and away game to complete the
league.
How do you determine the number
of matches played all together?
Derive a rule or function to predict
the number of matches to be played
if there are 32 teams in the league?

According to legend, chess was

invented by Grand Vizier Sissa Ben
Dahir, given to King Shirham of India.
The king offered him a reward, he
requested the following:

Power of Exponential
n
Growth[2 ]
square/day
Sum
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
...
64

rice
1
2
4
8
16
32
64
_____

1
3
7
15
31
63
127

How much
wheat did
the King
owe for
64th day?

How much
wheat in
94
_____ all?

95

Quadrilaterals have four sides.

Now, what construction could
you make to make a triangle
out of one so that the area
remain unchanged?

Describe your steps and explain

why?

1. Extend one of the sides of the

quadrilateral. Lets extend AB in the
figure below.
2. Construct a line parallel through
one of the diagonals of the
quadrilateral. In our example, lets
use diagonal BD.
3. Draw the triangle.
Can you figure out why the
constructions produce a triangle
equal in area to the quadrilateral?

Conclusion

Creative - Imagery

Using only three straight

separate each coin so there
is only one coin in each section

Answers

Open-topped box problem

Activities and Questions

Each group will make opentopped boxes by cutting

x-by-x-sized squares from
the corners of a 16-by-21-centimetre
rectangle
cut from the centimetre-squared grid paper.
Fold the rectangular sides of the box upward
and tape the corners to create a box. The
group should make a set of boxes
corresponding to x=1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
centimetres.

Guess which box has the largest volume. Which box has
the smallest volume.
Fill in the table above.
Graphs the volume of the
box as a function of for
1 7 and, on the basis
of its graph, decides which
value of results in the
open-topped box of largest
volume.

The area of a figure is equal to the sum of

the area of its parts and cutting and
rearranging pieces of a figure does not
change the area
The figure below is a rectangle whose
shaded area is made up of the pieces
of a square tangram having an area of
10 cm as shown. What is the area of
the rectangle? Area of Letter E?

A man entered an orchard that had 7

guards and picked some apples. When he
left, he gave the first guard half his apples
and 1 apple more. To the second guard he
gave half his remaining apples and 1 more.
He did the same to each of the remaining
five guards and left the orchard with 1
apple. How many apples did he gather in
all? Explain how you solve the problem.

Working backward

Draw and Cut Tangram Pieces

Name the geometrical shapes

Calculate the fraction of the small
triangle to the square tangram
How many small triangles make up the
whole square (tangram)?
Compute the fraction and/or proportion
of the other pieces
Calculate the areas
Concept of congruent triangle (student
to discover the conditions, etc.

Geometrical shapes, construct and

calculate the area

The area of a figure is equal to the sum

of the area of its parts and cutting and
rearranging pieces of a figure does not
change the area