Select three non-routine problems and solve each of
this problem using two or more type of problem
solving strategies. Two elaborate on the difference
strategies. Select one strategies that is deemed to be
the most efficient and justify selection. To create a
similar problem and solve it using the suggested
strategies.
Problem involving a situation whereby an individual or a group is
required to carry out the working solution.
In doing so, they have to determined the strategy and method of
problem-solving first, before implementing the working solution.
The strategy of problem-solving needs a set of activities which will
lead to the problem-solving process.
Basically there are two types of problem-solving
routine problem
non-routine
problem.
Routine Problem
Routine problem is actually a type of mechanical
mathematics problem. It is aimed at training the
pupils so that they are able to master basic skills,
especially the arithmetic skills involving the four
mathematics operations or direct application of
using mathematics formulae, laws, theorems or
equations.
Non-Routine
Problem
Non-routine problem is a kind of unique problem-
solving which requires the application of skills,
concepts or principle which have been learned and
mastered. Thus, the method for solving non-routine
problem in mathematics cannot be memorized, and is
not the same as answering certain mechanical question.
The process of problem-solving needs a set of
systematic activities with logical planning, including
proper strategy and selection of suitable method for
implementation.
To identify
the
problem
To look for
clues /
information
To set up
hypothesis
To test the
hypothesis
To evaluate
and record
final
conclusion
To ascertain the pattern of the solution
To construct a problem-solving table
To study all possible solutions
To implement the strategies
To plan a solution model
To guess for the answer and checking
To work backwards from the ending stage to the beginning
stage
To draw pictures, diagrams or graph
To select relevant mathematics notations
To explain the problem by using individual’s own words
To identify important information given
To check assumptions which are not clearly stated
Analysis method
Analogy method
Mathematics
Solution
Problem Answer
Steps
Diagram method
Deduction method
Puan Salmah asked her son, Ali to buy 400 g of flour at the grocery.
The price for 1 kg of flour is RM 12.00. How much it cost for 400 g of flour?
1)To identify the important information given.
Prices for 1 kg of flour = RM 12.00
Prices for 400 g of flour = ?
1 kg = 1000 g
1000 g = RM 12.00
100 g = RM 12.00 / 1000
= RM 1.20
100 g x 4 = 400 g
Hence, RM 1.20 x 4 = RM 4.80
2) To construct a problem-solving table
En. Ahmad asked Hakim to take 9 balls from store. He asked Hakim to divide all
the balls equally to 3 classes. How many balls would each of class get?
1) To draw pictures, diagrams or graph?
9 balls
9 balls divided equally to 3 classes
3 balls for each classes
2) To select relevant mathematical notations
9 balls divided into 3 classes
9/3=3
9
__ = 3
3
Hence, 3 balls for each classes.
A millionaire had bought a pieces of land with width of 115 metre per square
near his rubber estate. After he sum up all his lands, he discovered that the
sum all his land is 180 metre per square. How much the size of his rubber
estate ?
1) To guess for the answer and checking
180 – 115 = 65
115 + 65 = 180
Hence, the size of the rubber estate is 65 metre per square
2) To check assumptions which are not clearly stated
Assume the size of rubber estate is 55 metre per square
180 – 55 = 125
Assume the size of rubber estate is 60 metre per square
180 – 60 = 120
Assume the size of rubber estate is 65 metre per square
180 – 65 = 115
Hence, the size of rubber estate is 65 metre per square.
Unfolding and folding a box. An unfolded box is shown below.
1 3 5 6
Which figure shows the box folded up?
1 3 3 6
3 2 5 4 4 6 5 1
A B C D
Answer: A
Difference Triangle Balls numbered 1 through 6 are arranged in a difference
triangle on the next page. Note that in any row, the difference between the
larger and the smaller of two successive balls is the number of the ball that
appears below them.
6 2 5
4 3
1
Arrange balls numbered 1 through 10 in a difference triangle.
Here is one solution
8 10 1 6
2 9 5
7 4
3
Missing Digits Puzzle. Fill in the blanks so that the multiplication problem
below uses all digits 0, 1, 2, 3, …….. , 9 exactly once, and is correctly worked.
_ 0 2
x 3 _
_________
_5,_ _ _
The correct problem is
402
x 39
______
15 678
Mok Soon Sang ( 1996) Pengajian Matematik Untuk Diploma Perguruan. Kuala
Lumpur : Kumpulan Budiman Sdn Bhd
[Link]
