Problem Solving Strategies
Commonly used strategies include:
1. Trial and Error
2. Algorithm
3. Heuristics
4. Working Backwards
5. Means-Ends Analysis
6. Backtracking
1. Trial and Error
Definition: Trying several solutions and ruling out those that don’t work.
Steps:
1. Identify the problem
2. Try a solution
3. Evaluate outcome
4. Repeat
Examples:
- Checking printer ink, paper jam, or connection.
- Restarting phone or WiFi.
Note: Simple but time-consuming.
2. Algorithm
Definition: A step-by-step logical procedure that guarantees a solution.
Example - Baking a Cake:
1. Gather ingredients
2. Preheat oven
3. Mix ingredients
4. Pour batter
5. Bake
6. Cool and serve
Real-life examples: Google search, Facebook feed ranking.
3. Heuristics
Definition: Mental shortcuts or 'rules of thumb' for quick decisions.
Used When:
- Too much information
- Limited time
- Few options
Types:
a) Breaking tasks into smaller steps
b) Guess and Check
Example: Finding a number that added to 15 gives 32.
4. Working Backwards
Definition: Start from the goal and plan steps backward.
Example:
Meeting at 3 PM:
- Travel 30 mins → Leave by 2:30 PM
- Preparation → Start at 1:30 PM
- Earlier task → Start at 12:30 PM
5. Means-Ends Analysis (MEA)
Definition: Break a problem into smaller sub-problems.
Example 1: Tower of Hanoi
- Move N-1 disks A→B
- Move bottom disk A→C
- Move N-1 disks B→C
Formula: Minimum moves = 2^N - 1
Example 2: Planning a road trip from Trivandrum to Kashmir.
6. Backtracking
Definition: Try multiple options and undo failed ones.
Used In:
- Mazes
- Sudoku
- Puzzles
Goal: Explore paths to find optimal solution.
Conclusion
Each strategy suits different problems:
- Trial and Error → Simple tasks
- Algorithm → Guaranteed results
- Heuristics → Quick decisions
- Working Backwards → Goal-oriented planning
- MEA → Stepwise improvement
- Backtracking → Complex search problems