Good Morning
Class!
Problem
Solving
Learning Outcomes
• Explain the four steps of Polya’s problem-solving process.
• Apply appropriate strategies in solving mathematical
problems.
• Demonstrate persistence and flexibility in exploring different
approaches to solve problems.
Activity
Instruction: Read each
statement carefully. Identify the
type of reasoning being used
(Intuition, Analogy, Inductive, or
Deductive).
Activity Applying the Four Kinds of Reasoning
1. All squares have four equal
sides. This figure has four
equal sides. Therefore, it is a
square.
DEDUCTIVE
REASONING
Activity Applying the Four Kinds of Reasoning
2. The lungs take in oxygen and
release carbon dioxide. A sponge
soaks in water and squeezes it
out. Therefore, the lungs can be
compared to a sponge.
ANALOGY
REASONING
Activity Applying the Four Kinds of Reasoning
3. Before the exam, Juan feels
confident that the first question
will be easy even though he has
not seen it.
INTUITION
REASONING
Activity Applying the Four Kinds of Reasoning
4. Every time Pedro eats peanuts,
his throat itches. After several
observations, he believes that
peanuts cause his allergy.
INDUCTIVE
REASONING
Problem
Solving
Problem
-A statement requiring a solution,
usually by means of a
mathematical
operation/geometric construction.
Problem Solving
A mathematical task that has the potential to
provide intellectual challenges for enhancing
students’ mathematical understanding. it is about
resolving problems. It is finding solutions and not
just answers to problem. it is important skill not
only in dealing with mathematics, but also in
making decisions in life.
Method
The ways or techniques used to get
an answer which will usually
involve one or more problem
solving strategies.
Answer
A number, quantity or some other
entity that the problem is asking
for.
Solution
The whole process of solving a
problem, including the method of
obtaining an answer and the
answers itself.
George Polya
George Polya
One of the mathematicians to make
a study of problem solving.
He is Hungarian mathematician.
He describes the methods of
Problem Solving. Polya’s four steps
are deceptively simple.
Polya’s 4-steps
in Problem
Solving
1. Preparation: Understand the Problem
You must have a clear
understanding of the problem. You
must have a full of grasp of what
are known and not known. Then
solve as required by the Problem.
2. Thinking Time: Devise a plan
Try using strategies that could heal you solve the problem. Here are some frequently
used procedures:
• Identifying the subgoal
• Make a table or a chart
• Make an organized list that shows all the possibilities
• Draw a diagram
• Eliminating possibilities
• Make an illustration/drawing.
• Work backwards.
• Write an equation. if necessary, define what each variable represent
• Perform an experiment
• Guess at a solution and the check the result. Trial and Error
3. Insight: Carry out the plan
Once you devised a plan, you must carry it out. As soon as you have an
idea for the solution of the problem, write it down instantly then carry
out your plan of the solution. keep trying until something works.
• Work carefully
• Keep an accurate and neat record of all your attempts.
• Realize that some of your initial plans will not work and that you
may have to devise another plan or modify your existing plan
4. Verification: Look back
Take time to Reflect, Examine and Look back at what you have
done-think of what worked and what did not; doing this will enable
you to predict what strategy to use to solve future problems.
• Ensure that the solution is consistent with the facts of the
problem
• Interpret the solution in the context of the problem
• Ask yourself whether there are generalizations of the solution
that could apply to other problems.
Example
Understand the problem
Example : A police station has 25 vehicles of motorcycles and
cars. The total number of wheels is 70. Find the number of
motorcycles and cars the station has.
Solution:
Step 1. Understand the problem
Given: 25 vehicles
70 wheels
Required: The number of cars and the number of motorcycles.
Example
Devise a Plan
Solution:
Step 2. Devise a plan
Let: x = the number of cars
y = the number of motorcycles
x + y = 25 vehicles
4 wheels (x = cars) + 2 wheels (y = motorcycles) = 70
wheels
So, x + y = 25 vehicles and 4x + 2y = 70 wheels are the
two equations formed based on the problem.
Example
Carry out the Plan
Step 3. Carry out the plan
(1) x + y = 25
(2) 4x + 2y = 70, solving two equations with two unknown using the process of
elimination:
(1) -2 (x + y = 25) ------ -2x – 2y = -50
(2) 4x + 2y = 70 ------- 4x + 2y = 70
2x + 0 = 20
2x = 20
2 2
x = 10
x = 10, since x denotes the number of cars so, there are 10 cars. However,
solving for y as the number of motorcycles is as follows:
since x + y = 25, then 10 + y = 25, y = 25 – 10, finally y = 15, so there are 15
vehicles in the police station.
Example
Look back
Step 4. Look Back
Therefore, there are 10 cars with 4 wheels
and 15 motorcycles with 2 wheels. The total
number of wheels is 70 wheels.
Any Questions?
Thank you