Scribd
Upload
100 views4 pages

Module 4 Problem Solving Heuristics

This document is a module for Pre-Service Teachers at Cavite State University focusing on problem-solving heuristics in mathematics. It covers techniques such as modifying problems, dividing into cases, considering extreme cases, and looking for symmetry, along with examples and worksheets for practice. The module aims to enhance problem-solving skills by encouraging PSTs to explore various methods and generate new problems based on learned concepts.

Uploaded by

abraham.malacao
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
100 views4 pages

Module 4 Problem Solving Heuristics

This document is a module for Pre-Service Teachers at Cavite State University focusing on problem-solving heuristics in mathematics. It covers techniques such as modifying problems, dividing into cases, considering extreme cases, and looking for symmetry, along with examples and worksheets for practice. The module aims to enhance problem-solving skills by encouraging PSTs to explore various methods and generate new problems based on learned concepts.

Uploaded by

abraham.malacao
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY

Teacher Education Department


Imus Campus
Cavite Civic Center Palico IV, Imus, Cavite
(046) 471-66-07 / (046) 471-67-70/ (046) 686-2349
[Link]

Problem Solving, Mathematical Investigation, and Modeling


Module 4: Problem Solving Heuristics
Heuristics Covered:
1. Modify the Problem
2. Divide into Cases
3. Consider Extreme Cases
4. Look for Symmetry

Week Learning Objectives


At the end of the week, the Pre-Service Teacher (PST) should be able to:
 Break a problem into cases and consider extreme cases when appropriate.
 Modify a problem, look for symmetry, or make it simpler.
 Explain the requirements of a problem and its solution.
 Check solutions using alternative (or invented) solution methods.
 Generate a new problem as an extension of a problem-solving task.

Lesson Discussion
1. Modify the Problem
Sometimes a problem feels too big or complicated. “Modify the problem” means
changing it slightly—using smaller numbers or simpler versions—so you can
understand the idea behind it before solving the real thing. Think of it like practicing
with a lighter weight before lifting the heavy one.

Example 1:
Original Problem: Three numbers add up to 72. The first is twice the second. The
third is 6 more than the second. Find the numbers.

Modified Version: Use a smaller sum, like 30 instead of 72.


 Let the second number = x
 First number = 2x
 Third number = x + 6

Equation: (2x + x + (x+6) = 30)


Simplify: (4x + 6 = 30)
Solve: (4x = 24 → x = 6)
Numbers:
- Second = 6
- First = 12
- Third = 12

Once you understand the pattern, apply it back to 72.

2. Divide Into Cases


Some problems have different possibilities. Instead of mixing them all up, “divide into
cases” lets you solve one possibility at a time. It’s like organizing laundry into whites,
colors, and darks so nothing gets messed up.
Example 2:
Problem: Find integers from 1–30 that are divisible by 2 or 3 but not both.

Case 1: Divisible by 2 only → List numbers divisible by 2 but skip those divisible by
3.
2, 4, 8, 10, 14, 16, 20, 22, 26, 28

Case 2: Divisible by 3 only → List multiples of 3 but skip multiples of 6.


3, 9, 15, 21, 27
Combine both cases → These are your answers.

3. Consider Extreme Cases


This technique means looking at the smallest, largest, or “edge” values to see what
patterns appear. It’s like checking the weather forecast’s lowest and highest
temperatures to understand the full range.

Example 3:
Problem: A rectangle has an area of 36 m². Which rectangle has the smallest
perimeter?
Try extreme shapes:
 1 × 36 → Perimeter = 74 (too big!)
 2 × 18 → Perimeter = 40
 3 × 12 → Perimeter = 30
 4 × 9 → Perimeter = 26
 6 × 6 → Perimeter = 24 → smallest

Extreme case (perfect square) gives the best result.


CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY
Teacher Education Department
Imus Campus
Cavite Civic Center Palico IV, Imus, Cavite
(046) 471-66-07 / (046) 471-67-70/ (046) 686-2349
[Link]

Worksheet
A. Modify the Problem
1. The sum of three numbers is 72. The first number is twice the second. The third
is 6 more than the second. Modify the problem to make it easier and solve.
o Hint: Replace 72 with a simpler total first.
2. A rectangular garden has a perimeter of 60 m. Modify the problem by using
small numbers for length and width to explore patterns.

B. Divide Into Cases


3. Find all integers between 1 and 30 that satisfy: the number is divisible by 2 or 3
but not both.
o Case 1: Divisible by 2 only
o Case 2: Divisible by 3 only
4. A coin is flipped three times. How many sequences contain exactly one head?
Solve by cases depending on the position of the head.

C. Consider Extreme Cases


5. What is the least possible perimeter of a rectangle with an area of 36 m²?
Consider extreme shapes (very long/thin vs. square).
6. A person can buy pens worth ₱15 each and notebooks worth ₱30 each. If the
maximum budget is ₱300, consider extreme cases (all pens or all notebooks).

D. Look for Symmetry


7. In a 5×5 grid, how many squares (of all sizes) can you find? Look for
symmetrical patterns.
8. If numbers 1 to 9 are arranged symmetrically in a 3×3 magic square, what is
the magic sum? Use symmetry to reason.
CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY
Teacher Education Department
Imus Campus
Cavite Civic Center Palico IV, Imus, Cavite
(046) 471-66-07 / (046) 471-67-70/ (046) 686-2349
[Link]

Assessment (Quiz)
Part I: Multiple Choice
1. Which heuristic involves changing the original conditions to explore patterns?
a. Division into cases
b. Modify the problem
c. Extreme cases
d. Symmetry
2. What heuristic is most useful when the problem has unclear boundaries?
a. Modify the problem
b. Consider extreme cases
c. Look for symmetry
d. Guess and check
3. When a problem shows repeated equal parts, what heuristic is helpful?
a. Symmetry
b. Modify the problem
c. Divide cases
d. Trial-and-error

Part II: Problem Solving


4. A number is between 1 and 50. It is divisible by 4 or 6. Using division into cases,
find all such numbers.
5. A student arranges 12 tiles into a rectangle. Consider extreme cases to
determine which arrangement gives the smallest perimeter.
6. Modify the problem: “A group of 6 students shares 18 chocolates unequally.”
Change values to simplify and solve.
7. Using symmetry, solve: “How many diagonals does a regular octagon have?”
8. Generate your own problem based on Divide into Cases and solve it.

Common questions

Powered by AI

The symmetry heuristic involves recognizing and utilizing repeated patterns or arrangements in problems to simplify solution strategies. This is effective in geometric or spatial problems, where symmetry can significantly reduce complexity. For instance, when tasked with calculating how many diagonals a regular octagon has, recognizing its symmetrical properties allows for intuitive remembrance that each vertex connects to other vertices except for itself and its adjacent vertices, leading to a straightforward calculation using symmetry .

The 'divide into cases' heuristic engages analytical and logical reasoning processes, as it requires the identification of distinct scenarios and systematic exploration of each. This cognitive structuring enhances efficiency by enabling targeted problem-solving, whereby each case is tackled individually, reducing complexity and enhancing clarity. This methodical approach helps prevent oversight and enhances thoroughness, promoting accuracy in solutions, as demonstrated in problems requiring differentiation based on divisor criteria .

Solving a modified problem equips individuals with insights into the problem's structure, enabling them to extend and adapt solutions to create and solve new, related problems. For example, modifying a problem where students share chocolates unequally, simplifying the numbers, and solving it offers insights into division and distribution, which can then inspire creating a new problem that explores different distributions, such as 'Students sharing pencils unequally' .

The 'divide into cases' heuristic efficiently simplifies complex problems by categorizing different possibilities, hence making them manageable. A notable advantage is the focused attention on one scenario at a time, reducing potential errors from multitasking. However, a potential drawback is the potential for overlooking interconnected aspects between the cases, which may lead to incomplete solutions unless the results are accurately synthesized post-case analyses .

The consideration of extreme cases is most beneficial in optimization problems, where solutions hinge on maximizing or minimizing certain parameters. These extreme points provide insight into possible solutions or disprove certain assumptions, ensuring comprehensive analysis. For instance, in determining the smallest perimeter for a fixed-area rectangle, testing extreme rectangle shapes (like very elongated or perfect squares) can directly lead to optimal solutions, as witnessed in the minimal perimeter conundrum for a 36 m² rectangle .

Considering extreme cases involves assessing the smallest, largest, or boundary values in a problem to discern patterns or solutions that might not be immediately evident. This heuristic can reveal optimal solutions by testing the limits of the problem scenario. For example, when tasked with finding the rectangle with the smallest perimeter given a fixed area of 36 m², one would assess dimensions like 1x36, 2x18, eventually concluding with a 6x6 square, where the perimeter is minimized to 24, demonstrating the effectiveness of considering such extremes .

Dividing a problem into cases involves segregating the problem into distinct possibilities and tackling each one separately. This method helps in avoiding confusion by isolating different scenarios. For instance, to find integers between 1 and 30 that are divisible by 2 or 3 but not both, one would first list numbers divisible by 2 only, then separately list multiples of 3 (excluding multiples of 6), and lastly, combine both results. This systematic approach leads to the solution without mixing different conditions .

When modifying a problem, it's critical to retain the core logic while simplifying aspects like numbers or configurations to ensure the modified version remains representative of the original. This involves selecting elements that simplify without distorting integral relationships or constraints within the problem. For example, changing the total in a sum problem while keeping proportional relationships constant allows an insight into the problem's logic without mitigating its authenticity or relevance .

The symmetry heuristic leverages the repetition and balance inherent in geometric patterns, facilitating more efficient problem-solving by reducing redundancy. For example, in determining the number of squares in a 5x5 grid, recognizing the symmetrical arrangement allows for systematic counting, ensuring that each square size is considered without omission. Such an approach reduces the cognitive load by breaking down the problem through recognizable and predictable patterns .

Modifying a problem involves changing it slightly by using smaller numbers or simpler versions to better understand the underlying concept before tackling the original, more complex problem. This approach is akin to practicing with a lighter weight before attempting the heavy one. For example, if the original problem states 'Three numbers add up to 72, with the first being twice the second and the third being 6 more than the second,' a modified version can replace 72 with 30. Solving this gives the numbers: second = 6, first = 12, and third = 12, providing insight into solving the original problem .

You might also like