Objective Questions (Multiple Choice)
🔹 Section A: Problem Solving Concepts
1. Which of the following best defines a mathematical problem?
A) A routine task with a known solution
B) A question requiring memorization
C) A perplexing situation requiring reasoning
D) A task with only one solution
Answer: C
2. The term “problema” originates from which language?
A) Latin
B) Greek
C) French
D) Arabic
Answer: B
3. According to Polya, problem solving is:
A) Memorizing formulas
B) Applying known rules
C) Finding unknown means to a known end
D) Avoiding obstacles
Answer: C
4. Which model includes the phases Entry, Attack, and Review?
A) Polya’s Model
B) Mason’s Model
C) IDEAL Model
D) Harrison’s Model
Answer: B
5. What is the first step in Polya’s problem-solving process?
A) Carrying out the plan
B) Looking back
C) Understanding the problem
D) Devising a plan
Answer: C
6. A good mathematical investigation is typically:
A) Closed-ended
B) Memorization-based
C) Open-ended and exploratory
D) Based on textbook examples
Answer: C
7. Which of the following is NOT a heuristic strategy?
A) Drawing diagrams
B) Guessing and checking
C) Memorizing formulas
D) Working backwards
Answer: C
8. Which level of mathematical understanding involves creating new
problems?
A) Consumer
B) Problem Solver
C) Problem Poser
D) Problem Creator
Answer: D
9. The IDEAL model’s final step is:
A) Explore strategies
B) Act
C) Learn
D) Review
Answer: C
[Link] investigations help students:
A) Memorize facts
B) Avoid errors
C) Discover patterns and pose problems
D) Focus on one solution
Answer: C
Section B: Teaching Strategies & Models
[Link] of the following is a key feature of mathematical investigation?
A) Fixed procedures
B) One correct answer
C) Multiple solution paths
D) Rote learning
Answer: C
[Link] does “looking back” in Polya’s model encourage?
A) Forgetting the problem
B) Checking the solution
C) Memorizing steps
D) Avoiding reflection
Answer: B
13. Which model emphasizes intuitive engagement with problems?
A) Polya’s
B) Mason’s
C) IDEAL
D) Bruner’s
Answer: B
14.A teacher who uses problem solving as a teaching method is acting as a:
A) Lecturer
B) Facilitator
C) Examiner
D) Dictator
Answer: B
15. Which of the following is a benefit of problem-based learning?
A) Passive learning
B) Memorization
C) Critical thinking
D) Avoiding errors
Answer: C
16. In mathematical investigations, students are encouraged to:
A) Follow fixed steps
B) Pose their own questions
C) Copy solutions
D) Avoid mistakes
Answer: B
17. Which of the following is NOT a phase in Mason’s model?
A) Entry
B) Attack
C) Review
D) Execution
Answer: D
[Link] is the role of ICT in mathematical investigations?
A) Replace teachers
B) Provide entertainment
C) Enhance exploration
D) Limit creativity
Answer: C
19. Which of the following is a common heuristic strategy?
A) Ignoring patterns
B) Drawing diagrams
C) Memorizing rules
D) Avoiding trial and error
Answer: B
20. Problem posing helps students to:
A) Memorize answers
B) Avoid thinking
C) Develop creativity
D) Follow instructions
Answer: C
21. Which of the following promotes mathematical reasoning?
A) Copying solutions
B) Exploring patterns
C) Memorizing formulas
D) Avoiding errors
Answer: B
22. A mathematical investigation often begins with:
A) A lecture
B) A textbook
C) A question or curiosity
D) A fixed procedure
Answer: C
23. Which of the following is true about open-ended problems?
A) They have one correct answer
B) They discourage creativity
C) They allow multiple approaches
D) They are routine
Answer: C
24. Which of the following is a characteristic of a good problem-solving task?
A) Predictable outcome
B) Requires memorization
C) Encourages exploration
D) Has no relevance
Answer: C
25. Which strategy involves working from the solution backward?
A) Trial and error
B) Working backwards
C) Guess and check
D) Drawing diagrams
Answer: B
26. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of mathematical investigations?
A) Promotes rote learning
B) Enhances reasoning
C) Encourages creativity
D) Develops problem-solving skills
Answer: A
27. Which model is most associated with structured problem solving?
A) Mason’s
B) IDEAL
C) Polya’s
D) Bruner’s
Answer: C
28. What does the “Attack” phase in Mason’s model involve?
A) Giving up
B) Exploring strategies
C) Memorizing steps
D) Avoiding errors
Answer: B
29. Which of the following is a key component of mathematical thinking?
A) Blind guessing
B) Pattern recognition
C) Memorization
D) Avoiding mistakes
Answer: B
30. Which of the following is a common barrier to problem solving?
A) Curiosity
B) Rigid thinking
C) Creativity
D) Exploration
Answer: B
31. Which of the following best supports student-centered learning in
mathematics?
A) Teacher-led lectures
B) Drill and practice
C) Open-ended investigations
D) Memorization of formulas
Answer: C
32. What is a key benefit of allowing students to pose their own problems?
A) Reduces creativity
B) Limits engagement
C) Encourages ownership and deeper thinking
D) Promotes passive learning
Answer: C
33. Which of the following is most effective in assessing problem-solving skills?
A) Multiple-choice tests
B) Oral recitation
C) Performance-based tasks
D) True/false quizzes
Answer: C
34. Which strategy is useful when students are stuck on a problem?
A) Telling them the answer
B) Encouraging them to reframe the problem
C) Ignoring their confusion
D) Asking them to memorize steps
Answer: B
35. What is the purpose of using real-life contexts in problem solving?
A) To confuse students
B) To make problems harder
C) To increase relevance and engagement
D) To reduce creativity
Answer: C
[Link] of the following is a barrier to effective problem solving?
A) Flexibility
B) Curiosity
C) Fixed mindset
D) Exploration
Answer: C
37. Which assessment method best captures students’ problem-solving process?
A) Multiple-choice test
B) Written explanation
C) Matching exercises
D) Fill-in-the-blank
Answer: B
38. Which of the following is a key principle of constructivist learning?
A) Passive reception
B) Teacher-centered instruction
C) Active knowledge construction
D) Rote memorization
Answer: C
39. Which of the following best supports differentiated instruction in mathematics?
A) One-size-fits-all tasks
B) Open-ended problems
C) Fixed procedures
D) Standardized worksheets
Answer: B
40. What is the value of student reflection in problem solving?
A) It wastes time
B) It reinforces learning and promotes metacognition
C) It confuses students
D) It replaces instruction
Answer: B
41. Which of the following is a misconception about problem solving?
A) It promotes deep thinking
B) It is only for advanced learners
C) It encourages creativity
D) It supports reasoning
Answer: B
42. Which of the following best supports metacognition in problem solving?
A) Ignoring errors
B) Reflecting on strategies used
C) Memorizing steps
D) Avoiding feedback
Answer: B
43. Which of the following is a common misconception in mathematics
education?
A) Mistakes are part of learning
B) Only one correct method exists
C) Exploration leads to understanding
D) Students learn through discussion
Answer: B
[Link] of the following best describes a rich mathematical classroom?
A) Focused on speed
B) Encourages silence
C) Promotes reasoning, discussion, and exploration
D) Relies on textbooks
Answer: C