Mathematical Problem-Solving Methods
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ScribdTranslationsActivity 3.
1 Methods for solving mathematical problems | Logical Reasoning
Mathematician
Methods to solve mathematical problems.
Various authors have stated that problem-solving is a process that unfolds in
various stages, some authors are:
Lisette Poggioli. She argues that to solve a problem, one must go through the following
phases:
1. The preparation, which allows the solver to analyze the problem and seek
information on this to try to define it.
2. The incubation, where the solver analyzes the problem in a way
unconscious.
3. The inspiration, which allows the solver to glimpse the solution in a way
unexpected.
4. The verification, where the solver reviews the solution found.
In the same line of thinking, the work developed by Andre and Hayes (cited by...
Poggioli, 1999), allow for the following stages in problem-solving to be proposed and
that help the solver to approach the solution:
1. Identification of the data and the goal of the problem
2. Specification of the problem where the problem is described more precisely
3. Analysis of the problem to identify the relevant information
4. Generation of the solution, considering different alternatives
5. Review of the solution to assess its feasibility
6. Selection of the feasible solution
Activity 3.1 Methods to solve mathematical problems | Logical Reasoning
Mathematician
7. Execution of the selected solution
The Polya Method of the four steps
This method is focused on solving mathematical problems, to solve a
exercise, one applies a routine procedure that leads to the answer, like the
application of a formula or calculation algorithm. To solve a problem, one makes a
pause, reflect, and it might even be that I take original steps that I hadn't rehearsed
before giving the answer, as these are less defined issues.
The four stages to solve a mathematical problem are:
a) Understand the problem. Through questions like: "What is the unknown?"
What are the data?, Do you know where you want to go?, Is there enough information?
Is this problem similar to any other you have solved before?
contextualize the problem.
b) Conceive a plan. In this phase, Polya suggests finding some similar problem to the
that confronts. At this moment, it is in the preambles of employing some
methodology. This is the way knowledge is constructed according to Polya:
about what someone else has done.
c) Execution of the plan. Once a clear attack plan is established, it must be
execute and observe the results; that is to say; implement the strategy or strategies that
you chose to either completely solve the problem or until the same action
I suggest you take a new course. The student must be clear that
the plan constitutes a general guideline, therefore, when carrying it out, it must be very
careful and review every detail.
d) Examine the obtained solution or look back. It is at this stage where the
the resolution of a problem leads to a great discovery. Efforts are made to extend the
solution to a problem to perhaps something more transcendent: "Can you use this
result or the method in another problem?, Is your solution correct? Is your answer
Does it satisfy what is established in the problem? Do you notice another solution?
simple? Can you see how to extend your solution to a general case?
This retrospective practice will allow you to consolidate your knowledge and even
improve your understanding of the solution you reached.
Some strategies that can be used are:
Activity 3.1 Methods for Solving Mathematical Problems | Logical Reasoning
Mathematician
1. Trial and Error (Conjecture and test the conjecture). It consists as its own name
indicate by trying different solutions. These tests or trials should not
not just doing it randomly, but they must follow reasoning based on the statement. It is
useful for solving certain types of problems such as those of selection, where
several alternatives of possible solutions are provided and the individual must try
each one, until reaching the correct answer.
2. Use a variable.
3. Find a Pattern. It requires a greater capacity for abstraction.
[Link] una lista.
[Link] a similar simpler problem. It consists of simplifying the problem, solving it.
with small amounts or try to propose a related one, but simpler. It
it can help understand the problem, so that it can be taught to the students for
that they use this strategy when they find it difficult to understand a given situation.
6. Make a figure. Drawings or manipulable elements with which a can be created.
staging of the problem, this strategy is very useful as it allows
better visualize the proposed situation and therefore contributes to the student
understand better and generate new resolution ideas.
7. Make a diagram.
[Link] direct reasoning.
9. Use indirect reasoning.
10. Use the properties of Numbers.
11. Solve an equivalent problem.
12. Work backwards.
[Link] cases.
[Link] an equation.
15. Search for a formula. It confers logical reasoning, that is, discovering relationships between
the data and find a general rule that helps us solve the problem.
they constitute specific strategies that ensure the achievement of objectives or solutions
of the problem
[Link] a model.
17. Identify sub-goals.
18. Use coordinates.
[Link] symmetry.
Activity 3.1 Methods for solving mathematical problems | Logical Reasoning
Mathematician
20. Divergent thinking processes. As its name suggests, it refers to a
strategy related to creativity, originality and inspiration, involves the generation
of alternative perspectives or approaches to solutions.
Bibliography
Cen, I. D. J. M. (s. f.).George Polya (1965). Cómo plantear y resolver problemas [título original: How To Solve It?].
Mexico: Trillas. 215 pp. Redalyc. Retrieved March 11, 2021, from
[Link]
Fernández, J. (2021, 8 marzo).Cómo resolver problemas de matemáticas. La guía [Link] Matemáticas.
[Link]
Pérez, Y. (n.d.). Teaching strategies for solving mathematical problems: Theoretical foundations and
methodological. Scielo. Retrieved March 11, 2021, from [Link]
script=sci_arttext&pid=S1010-29142011000200009