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Solving
(Polya’s four phase of solving
problems)
Problem-solving
is a process—an ongoing activity in
which we take what we know to discover
what we don't know. It involves
overcoming obstacles by generating
hypo-theses, testing those predictions,
and arriving at satisfactory solutions.
Word Problem
• Write an equation.
• Work backwards.
• Identify a sub-goal.
In our example, we need a sub-goal of figuring out the actual total number of cupcakes
made before we can determine how many were left over.
We could write an equation to show what is unknown and how to find the solution:
(1 dozen + 3 dozen) - 5 = number eaten
Carry out the Plan
The third step in the process is the next logical step: Carry Out the
Plan. When you carry out the plan, you should keep a record of your
steps as you implement your strategy from step 2.
Our plan involved the sub-goal of finding out how many cupcakes were
made total. After that, we needed to know how many were eaten if
only 5 remained after the party. To find out, we wrote an equation
that would resolve the sub-goal while working toward the main goal.
12 + 36 = 48 and 48 - 5 = 43